The cancer workforce is experiencing shortfalls that are at risk of continuing in the future if no action is taken. All cancer patients should have access to a CNS or support worker as they are vital to the delivery of cancer services and ensuring patients receive the best available care. As an Alliance we will facilitate the implementation of the following education and training opportunities in providers for the relevant nursing, AHP and support worker roles:

• ACCEND Career pathway
• Core Cancer Capabilities
• Education Framework

To do this we will:

• Identify local training and development opportunities to support staff with varying levels of practice within the ACCEND framework.
• Use the competencies set out in the ACCEND Framework to work with providers to implement uniform job descriptions for workforce roles.
• Share information and best practice with regional workforce colleagues and other partners.
• Work with providers to embed the Core Cancer Capabilities within professional development processes e.g., supervision, appraisals.
• Provide leadership to the cancer workforce within our Alliance footprint and encourage engagement with the ACCEND Programme and wider workforce development opportunities.
• Ensure the ACCEND framework is implemented in providers which serve more disadvantage communities.

We will then work with our providers and partners to transition these improvement plans into business-as-usual within the next 12-24 months.