Sandra Loy appointed NCTJ chief examiner for shorthand

The NCTJ has appointed Sandra Loy as its new chief examiner for shorthand and chair of the shorthand board.

NCTJ shorthand board

Sandra, who has been a member of the shorthand board since 2019, chaired her first meeting today as she takes over from Karen Ballam.

Karen, who served as chief examiner since 2015 alongside teaching at Bournemouth University, will continue as a senior examiner. In 2022 she received the NCTJ’s chairman’s award for her outstanding contribution to journalism training and education.

Sandra is a lecturer in the school of journalism, media and culture at Cardiff University. Before moving into teaching, Sandra worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. She began her career at the Herald Express in Devon before working across Wales Online, the South Wales Echo, Western Mail, Wales on Sunday and the Celtic titles, most recently serving as editor of Wales on Sunday.

Sandra Loy, Joanne Forbes, Karen Ballam

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “I am delighted that Sandra is our new chief examiner for shorthand and chair of the board. Sandra brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to high standards and the importance of shorthand, and a real enthusiasm for supporting students and teachers.

“Karen has led with great skill, dedication and good humour since 2015, and her outstanding contribution was recognised when she received the chairman’s award, notably for her incredible work during the pandemic. We’re pleased that she will remain on the board as a senior examiner, offering her expertise and supporting Sandra as she settles into the role.”

Sandra said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be taking on the role. I’ve loved working with the NCTJ and being part of the board since 2019 and I look forward to continuing to help keep standards high and listening to the needs of this ever-changing industry.”