Applications open for October Photo Editor Safety Cohort

Deadline: 04-Sep-2026

The ACOS Alliance and World Press Photo Photo Editor Safety Cohort 2026 is a free four-week online training programme for up to 15 photo editors worldwide. Running from 1–29 October 2026, the programme provides practical training, peer learning, and one-to-one coaching on digital, legal, physical, and psychological safety, including safer commissioning and support for freelance photographers. What Is the Photo Editor Safety Cohort? The Photo Editor Safety Cohort is a professional development programme organised by the ACOS Alliance and World Press Photo to strengthen safety practices within journalism and visual media. The second edition will bring together up to 15 photo editors from different regions and media organisations for four weeks of structured learning and peer exchange. The programme focuses on the responsibilities of photo editors in creating safer working environments for photographers, particularly freelancers and journalists working in challenging or volatile settings. Photo Editor Safety Cohort 2026 Dates The programme will take place online from:

Start date: 1 October 2026

End date: 29 October 2026

Duration: Four weeks

Format: Online

Delivery: Weekly Zoom webinars and self-paced online learning

Risks associated with exposure to traumatic events Editor responsibilities toward photographers Why Does the Photo Editor Safety Cohort Matter? Photo editors play an important role in determining how photographers are commissioned, briefed, supported, and protected. A strong safety culture can help media organisations: Improve assignment risk management Protect freelance photographers Reduce avoidable safety risks Strengthen communication between editors and photographers Encourage responsible commissioning Support journalists working in difficult environments Promote better physical and psychological wellbeing The programme is particularly relevant for editors working with freelancers because independent photographers may have fewer institutional resources available to them when facing safety risks. Who Is Eligible? The Photo Editor Safety Cohort is open to photo editors worldwide. The organisers particularly encourage applications from: Photo editors working in volatile regions Editors from under-represented regions Professionals working for under-resourced media organisations Editors who commission freelance photographers Photo editors interested in improving newsroom safety practices The programme is international, allowing participants from different professional and geographic backgrounds to exchange experiences. What Will Participants Receive? Selected participants will receive access to a free professional development programme combining several learning formats. Learning focused on digital, legal, physical, and psychological safety Because the cohort is limited to approximately 15 participants, the programme is designed to provide an interactive learning environment and opportunities for individual engagement. How Does the Photo Editor Safety Cohort Work?

Participants will complete a combination of live and self-directed learning activities

Step 1: Apply to the Cohort

Interested photo editors should submit their application through the designated application process provided by the organisers.

Step 2: Selection

Applications will be reviewed by the programme organisers. Particular attention is encouraged for applicants from volatile, under-represented, and under-resourced environments.

Step 3: Attend Weekly Online Sessions

Selected participants will join weekly Zoom webinars throughout October 2026.

Step 4: Complete Self-Paced Modules

Participants will also undertake online learning activities outside the live sessions

Step 5: Participate in Peer Exchange

The cohort provides opportunities to discuss experiences and challenges with other photo editors working in different contexts.

Step 6: Use Individualised Coaching

Participants will have access to one-to-one coaching to help apply safety principles to their professional work. Key Safety Areas for Photo Editors The programme’s focus can be broadly understood through four interconnected areas:

Digital safety: Protecting information, communications, and digital workflows.

Legal safety: Understanding legal risks and responsibilities surrounding assignments.

Physical safety: Assessing and reducing risks to photographers in the field.

Psychological safety: Supporting wellbeing, self-care, and mental resilience.

Together, these areas encourage a more comprehensive approach to newsroom and commissioning safety. Common Tips for Applicants Applicants can strengthen their participation by clearly demonstrating their professional role and interest in journalism safety.

Consider the following:

Clearly describe your experience as a photo editor. Explain whether you regularly commission freelance photographers. Highlight any safety challenges relevant to your work. Explain why safety training would benefit your newsroom or organisation. Show how you could apply the programme’s lessons to your professional practice. Be prepared to participate actively in English. Ensure you can attend the weekly online sessions throughout October. Key Details at a Glance

Programme: Photo Editor Safety Cohort

Organisers: ACOS Alliance and World Press Photo

Edition: Second edition

Dates: 1–29 October 2026

Duration: Four weeks

Format: Online

Sessions: Weekly Zoom webinars

Additional learning: Self-paced online modules

Participants: Up to 15 photo editors

Eligibility: Photo editors worldwide

Language: English

Cost: Free

Coaching: One-to-one coaching included

Main themes: Digital, legal, physical, and psychological safety

Priority: Volatile regions, under-represented regions, and under-resourced media organisations

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Photo Editor Safety Cohort? It is a four-week professional development programme organised by the ACOS Alliance and World Press Photo to help photo editors strengthen safety practices