Currently, 2.5 million people in the UK are living with cancer and this number is expected to rise to 4 million by 2030. Despite this increase, survival rates are now at their highest ever in the UK. To support these individuals and to meet both current and future needs, it is essential to invest in our workforce.​

​This workforce includes what we refer to as supportive and assistive support workers. This is a large and diverse group of professionals who work within nursing teams, allied health professional teams, administrative teams and pharmacy teams. They can be employed in various settings, including GP surgeries, hospitals, community centres and even providing support directly in patients’ homes.

These workers provide a range of support to people affected by cancer, including clinical help, assistance with navigating the healthcare system and administrative tasks.​

​Cancer support workers: help clinical staff by preparing clinics, escorting patients and making wellbeing calls.​

​Cancer care coordinators: ensure effective communication and coordination between GPs, hospital staff, community workers, patients and families.​

​Cancer navigators: offer personalised guidance and emotional support, helping patients navigate the healthcare system and access resources.​

​Allied health support workers: assist various allied health professionals based on their specific role and specialisation.​

​Healthcare assistants: provide personal care, assist with clinical tasks and support nurses and doctors in delivering hands-on care.​

​Therapy assistants: help therapists by supporting patients with exercises, mobility and daily activities during and after cancer treatment.​

​Multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordinators: manage team meetings and communication between departments to ensure all healthcare professionals are involved in patient care decisions. MDT coordinators are also responsible for flagging required appointments such as facilitating diagnostics or arranging theatre dates to support the cancer pathway.

Although these roles may overlap, each brings unique expertise, working together to provide comprehensive care. Often recruited locally, they reflect the communities they serve and are seen as the ‘glue’ holding the team together.

This workforce has faced several challenges. Two years ago, ACCEND identified the following issues:​

• ​lack of standardisation: many different job titles and entry requirements create inconsistencies within the workforce​
• inconsistent job design: roles and responsibilities vary widely between services, leading to confusion​
• limited access to education: workers often struggle to access the training they need to improve patient care​
• restricted career progression: few opportunities for advancement impact both job satisfaction and the workers’ ability to contribute fully​

​As a result, their contributions are not always maximised and their work experience can be less positive.

Implementing these resources locally offers significant benefits for staff, organisations and patients.​

​For staff and practitioners: these resources can boost job satisfaction and morale, leading to lower turnover and fewer absences. Clear job competencies and defined scopes of practice will also improve task delegation, freeing up time for other staff and ensuring safe, effective care.​

​For employers: organisations benefit from productivity gains, such as reduced turnover. There’s a strong return on investment when resources like ACCEND are introduced, improving care and streamlining services.​

​ACCEND ensures that this workforce’s contribution is fully recognised and optimised, benefiting staff, services and patients.

The framework is structured using 3 components. ​

1. ​Career pathway component. ​
2. Core cancer-specific capabilities in practice (CiPs) component. ​
3. Education framework component.​

​Combined, these components support practitioners at all levels of the career pathway to develop the core knowledge, skills and behaviours to care for people affected by cancer.

The career pathway identifies career levels in general and specialist cancer care: supportive, assistive, pre-registration, registration, enhanced, advanced and consultant. It focuses on a clinical career progression but does not imply a single role at each level. Practitioners can choose to remain at any level, where their expertise is recognised and valued. ​

​The pathway also supports development in clinical research, academic or education roles, though these are outside the framework’s scope.​

​The framework outlines the characteristics, knowledge, behaviours and skills needed for each level. ​

​It informs:​

• ​core cancer-specific capabilities in practice (CiPs) using the 4 pillars of professional practice​
• preparation and learning outcomes for each level, aligned with UK higher education qualifications​
• the pathway which supports workforce sustainability and growth, facilitates staff movement across services, and provides a career structure for those in cancer care​

For this framework, capabilities are defined as the skills, knowledge and behaviours individuals bring to the workplace, enabling them to:​

• ​manage change​
• be flexible​
• handle complex or unpredictable situations​
• continuously improve performance​

​Both ‘capability’ and ‘competence’ describe what people can do, encompassing knowledge, skills and behaviours resulting from education, training or experience. However, this framework uses ‘capabilities’ to emphasise working effectively in dynamic situations.​

​The framework outlines core cancer capabilities in practice (CiPs) and specific knowledge for cancer care providers. It identifies the theoretical and clinical knowledge, skills and behaviours practitioners need at each level to:​

• ​safely assess, plan and manage personalised care​
• lead and manage changes to improve cancer care and services​

​Using the 4 pillars of professional practice, the framework provides high-level core cancer CiPs across 8 domains, contextualised for different care environments and roles. Recognising role variations, it allows for blending capabilities across levels to meet service needs, such as combining registration and enhanced level core cancer CiPs.​

​The core cancer CiPs are adaptable to individual practitioners’ roles, practice environments and patient groups, helping employers and employees define scope of practice and job descriptions.

The education framework provides high-level learning outcomes, syllabus and suggested assessment strategies for each career pathway level, supporting the knowledge requirements of core cancer CiPs.​

​The framework includes:​

• Foundations of Cancer Care Module: core knowledge for supportive, assistive and pre-registration levels (framework table 7)​
• Fundamentals of Cancer Care Module: core knowledge for registration, enhanced, advanced and consultant levels (framework table 8)​
• Postgraduate Learning Outcomes: for Certificate, Diploma and Master’s awards, incorporating core knowledge from the Fundamentals of Cancer Care module across the 4 pillars of practice (framework table 9)​

​These modules represent the minimum knowledge and understanding for practitioners in generalist and specialist cancer care roles. Learning can be deepened with role-specific CPD, including postgraduate academic awards. Learning outcomes can be achieved and evidenced through various means, such as:​

• ​workplace-based learning and reflection​
• continuing professional development (CPD)​
• elearning and online resources​
• university-accredited modules and programmes​

​The learning outcomes are useful for higher education institutions (HEIs), education and training providers, practitioners, employers, commissioners and funders in developing and reviewing educational opportunities, curricula, modules and programmes to meet workforce needs.​

The framework outlines essential cancer core competency indicators (CiPs) and an education plan for different career stages to ensure safe and effective cancer care, aligned with professional practice standards. It includes:​

• ​core competency indicators (CiPs): these are high-level guidelines that help practitioners and employers tailor skills and knowledge to their specific work environment and roles​
• learning outcomes: designed to be adaptable, these outcomes allow practitioners to apply them based on their individual role, practice setting and patient group​
• self-assessment tool: this tool helps practitioners and employers evaluate their knowledge and skills, gather evidence of their achievements and identify areas for professional development to meet current and future career goals​

Colour coding for Core cancer CiPs for cancer nursing and allied health professions workforce

You can access the Audit Tool Detailed Core Cancer CiPs (pages 12 to 62) colour coded for each level of practice.

This section provides role profiles within the supportive and assistive level of practice. Each profile presents real-life examples of individuals in these roles, detailing their career histories, current skills, knowledge, and capabilities. The profiles also highlight both short-term and long-term career goals. These role profiles are designed to offer practical insights into the various career pathways within the supportive and assistive level of practice, helping to guide and inspire your own professional journey.​

​Select to access: Role profiles within the supportive and assistive workforce

In this area, you’ll find role profiles from across the entire cancer care pathway. These profiles provide detailed insights into individuals’ career histories, current skills, knowledge and capabilities, as well as their short-term and long-term goals. They also highlight how the 4 pillars of practice: clinical practice, leadership, education and research are applied in each role. These real-life examples offer a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths within cancer care and how different roles contribute to the broader field.​

​Select to access the session: Role profiles within cancer care

The Care Certificate is an identified set of standards that health and care professionals adhere to in their daily working life. ​

​Designed for the unregistered workforce, the Care Certificate gives everyone the confidence that health and care professionals have the same introductory skills, knowledge and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe and high-quality care and support in their own workplace setting. Find out more about the Care Certificate.

The Higher Development Award (HDA) is a personal development programme for support workers that enables clinical and non-clinical support workers from all sectors to ‘Be the best and acknowledge potential’. Find out more about the Higher Development Award.

The ‘123 Approach’ has been developed by the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) as a way to empower NHS staff working in cancer services to understand and tackle health inequalities themselves.

This approach encourages staff in all areas of the organisation to see health inequalities as their own responsibility and supports them to take action. Find out more about the 123 Approach.

Foundations of Cancer Care is a comprehensive elearning programme which has been designed and developed for pre-registration nursing and allied health professional students. However, those working in job roles associated with supportive or assistive levels of practice would also find the course helpful and it will help increase their knowledge and understanding of many aspects of cancer care. At this stage, it is recommended to complete the first 2 modules of this course which are ‘Context of cancer’ and ‘Science of cancer’. Find out more about the Foundations of Cancer Care.

Cancer Awareness courses provide key insights into cancer, its causes and treatments. These courses will equip you with essential knowledge about cancer, its treatments and their side effects. Find out more about the Cancer Awareness courses.

The Communication Skills course equips healthcare professionals with practical communication skills to support patients facing emotional distress. Through an evidence-based approach, the course provides tools and techniques for delivering compassionate, person-centred care, enhancing conversations about concerns and needs in a sensitive and effective manner. Find out more about the Communication Skills course click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

The Personalised Care course offers resources to develop skills for tailoring care to individual needs within the context of a person’s life. It equips you to help people gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their own health by focusing on key personalised care interventions, with skills transferable to other long-term conditions. Find out more about the Personalised Care course.

The Primary Cancer Care Coordinator training is designed to provide users with essential information on the significance of cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis. Find out more about the Primary Cancer Care Coordinator training.

Foundations of Cancer Care is a comprehensive elearning programme which has been designed and developed for pre-registration nursing and allied health professional students. However, those working in job roles associated with supportive or assistive levels of practice would also find the course helpful and it will help increase their knowledge and understanding of many aspects of cancer care. At this level it is advised to complete all 9 sessions of the course. Find out more about the Foundations of Cancer Care programme.​

The Principles of Cancer Care Programme (PCCP) is delivered to groups of 14 on a virtual platform and offers you the opportunity to share and learn with others working in similar roles.​

​Participants are asked to commit to all 4 days to experience the full benefit of our occupationally relevant course.​

​This training is provided by the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Academy. On the homepage, you’ll see the programme listed as “Principles of Cancer Care Programme 2025 – booking is now Live!” Select “Book a place” to If you’re new to the site, you’ll need to create an account. After successfully setting up your account, you’ll be directed to the booking area, where you can reserve a spot if spaces are available. Please select Principles of Cancer Care Programme to access. ​

​The course is suitable for all health and care staff working in a supportive or assistive role who are working with people who are affected by cancer or who may have a potential cancer diagnosis.

Macmillan’s Evidencing Work-Based Learning programme in partnership with the University of West England (UWE) offers a fantastic opportunity for Macmillan Professionals (with limited honorary places for non-Macmillan Healthcare Professionals) to undertake a fully funded 30-credit academic module at Degree or Masters level.​

​To access this course, start by visiting the provided link. Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for “New to the Hub? Register here” to begin creating your account for the Macmillan Learning Hub. Once your account is successfully set up, Search for “Evidencing Work-Based Learning course information” and you will locate the information page for this course, if you meet the pre-requisites for the course then you will be able to enrol onto the course. All relevant information about the course can be found from the information page as mentioned.​

​Find out more about Macmillan’s Evidencing Work-Based Learning programme.

The Apprenticeship module provides an overview of various career pathways available for cancer care staff, specifically those working at the Supportive and Assistive level of practice. It guides learners to relevant apprenticeships designed to enhance their skills and advance their careers in cancer care.​

​Select the hyperlinks to find all the essential details about this apprenticeship, including what to expect, entry requirements and available vacancies in your area.

The Leadership module offers a comprehensive guide to leadership development opportunities available within the NHS for cancer care staff. This module connects learners to a wide range of leadership courses and programmes designed to enhance their leadership skills and competencies.​

​It is tailored for those looking to take on more advanced roles and responsibilities, driving innovation and improving patient care outcomes. By exploring this module, staff can find the right leadership training to suit their career aspirations, empowering them to lead effectively in the dynamic field of cancer care. ​

​There are several leadership courses recommended. Please check the hyperlinks below to find the most suitable for you.