NCTJ launches latest action plan to support journalist safety and resilience
The NCTJ has launched an action plan to strengthen the safety and resilience of journalists across their careers. Building on its existing work to support journalists in the field and online, the plan sets out the NCTJ’s priorities for the year ahead, following the latest meeting of its Safety and Resilience Advisory Panel.
As part of the plan, the NCTJ will develop two new resources focused on emerging challenges facing journalists. The first will support those covering the courts.
Insights from the Journalism and the Courts symposium, held at the University of Salford in June 2025, highlighted gaps in support for reporters covering criminal trials, inquests, and family court proceedings. The planned resource will reinforce the essential role court reporting plays in open justice and public understanding of the justice system, while helping journalists and newsrooms better support wellbeing and resilience when reporting on distressing and complex cases.
Reflecting on the realities of court reporting, Charlie Moloney, freelance journalist and media law trainer, said: “Court reporters listen to harrowing details and witness intense emotional distress on a regular basis; face threats (both legal and physical) and intimidation from defendants in criminal cases; and shoulder a great deal of editorial responsibility.
“Their resilience depends on a deep understanding of the reason and purpose behind their historic role – to act as the eyes and ears of the public, hold power to account and defend open justice.
It is essential that the industry comes together to champion and celebrate the importance of court reporting.”
The second resource will focus on complaints handling. The guidance on abusive complaints will respond to the growing prevalence of hostile complaints directed at journalists, offering practical support to help newsrooms protect their staff and ensure journalists can respond safely and professionally.
Highlighting the industrywide importance of the initiative, Lisa Bradley, professor of journalism at the University of Sheffield, said: “The new safety action plan from the NCTJ is crucial in protecting the entire industry – from seasoned journalists, early career- reporter and those still in training. By exploring these critical conversations from both an industry and education perspective, the plan is a robust and impactive strategy to ensure this remains at the top of the agenda.”
The Safety and Resilience Advisory Panel, established in 2022 and chaired by Joanna Webster, global editor, agency news strategy at Reuters and NCTJ deputy chair brings together representatives from major news organisations, digital platforms, freelance journalists, and education providers to address safeguarding challenges across the journalism sector.
Joanna Webster said: “Safety and resilience is a complex issue with many layers, and it’s understandable that some courses and newsrooms find it challenging to address. That’s why collaboration across the industry and education sector is so important.
“By sharing expertise and resources, we can ensure journalists at every stage of their careers are supported, and that essential roles like court reporting are understood, valued, and protected.”
These new resources will be freely accessible to all journalists via the NCTJ’s Journalism Skills Academy.
