The next generation of news leaders needs to manage change and transformation as well as team mental health
The NCTJ is launching a new leadership programme aimed at developing the next generation of editorial leaders.
Earlier this year, the industry training organisation spoke to 35 senior news leaders which revealed a key issue: there are many training opportunities for senior leaders, but few for those in their first or second managerial role.
The programme will introduce a mixture of virtual training masterclasses covering effective communication, team engagement, managing change, diversity and inclusion and safety and resilience.
There will also be shorter, in-person 'lunch-and-learns', teaching about leading with confidence, employment law, time management and prioritisation, managing hybrid and WFH patterns, and dealing with imposter syndrome.
"Editorial managers need to be multi-skilled – juggling the day-to-day demands of deadlines, producing compelling content plans that engage audiences while managing and motivating teams which are, in some cases, working hybrid working patterns or completely from home," says Laura Adams, head of the Journalism Skills Academy.
"They are also often required to implement key strategic changes on the ground while maintaining positive external relationships with contacts and communities.
"Yet being an editorial leader is one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs that a journalist can do – and seeing other journalists thrive and grow under their leadership is hugely satisfying.
"We hope this programme inspires and motivates people to pursue a career in leadership and gives them the confidence to succeed in their roles. We want them to reach their potential while also being an inspiration to the journalists they manage.
"As an industry, we need to support and nurture talent as they are the senior leaders of the future who will make a vital contribution to the long-term sustainability of journalism in the UK."
The scheme is subsidised by the Google News Initiative. Depending on the courses selected, applicants will pay between £39 to £119. There is no age limit on either scheme but ideally attended by early-to-mid career journalists.
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