Since 2020, Lee has volunteered as a mentor for the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) mentoring scheme - a charitable initiative managed and administered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The JDF awards bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds to help fund their journalism training, and the mentorship programme supports these trainees as they complete their NCTJ qualifications and start navigating the industry.
Having been awarded the JDF scholarship himself in 2009–2010, Lee now offers students practical, straight-talking guidance as a JDF mentor to help early-career journalists build confidence, expand their networks and make smart career decisions as they move into paid work.
Lee’s mentoring is rooted in editorial thinking — clarity, audience, accuracy and what makes a story land. The same principles underpin his Content Consultancy and Media Training work, helping brands shape messages that are sharper, more credible and press-ready.
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how Lee can help your team.
JDF mentorship tasks include:
Monthly mentor check-ins: regular contact (typically monthly) via an agreed format—email, phone or video—tailored to the trainee’s course timeline.
Career direction + industry routes: talking through options, newsroom realities, and the different paths into journalism.
Confidence and networking support: helping mentees build self-belief, sharpen how they present themselves, and develop professional networks.
Practical job-readiness advice: CV and cover letter feedback, interview prep, and guidance on how to approach editors and pitch.
A supportive, confidential space: setting clear boundaries early and keeping the relationship constructive.
