North East London (NEL) Cancer CNS Development Lead (CDL) Pilot – NEL Progress

 

The Pan- London CDL pilot project is a three- year initiative being delivered by the four London Cancer Alliances in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England. It aims to strengthen the cancer nursing workforce across London by introducing the Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Development Lead (CDL) role in each London ICB area. 

The North East London CDL post holder, Kate Williams, began in November 2024. Kate has over 20 years of experience in cancer nursing and hematology, and bring a robust combination of clinical expertise, leadership, and coaching skills, positioning her well to drive the development and empowerment of Cancer CNNs across NEL. 

Governance of the CDL project is provided by the North East London Steering group, chaired by the Cancer Alliance, and includes representation from our three acute trusts, Barts health, BHRUT and Homerton healthcare. Macmillan Cancer support, and the CNHS cohort are also represented. The project reports into the Alliance's personalised cancer care (PCC) Programme Delivery Group, ensuring alignment with broader strategic objectives and integrated cancer care delivery across north East London

Achievements to date

Enhanced support
  • 28 CNSs are currently receiving enhances support, working through the Capabilities Framework.
  • 14 CNSs are mid- programme, and are already demonstrating developing competencies and increasing self - confidence
  • Monthly peer support sessions and check- ins are ongoing. 
Universal Support

A Universal education series is running from September 2025 to November 2026, covering: 

  • ACCEND
  • Leadership
  • Publishing
  • Psycho- social support
  • Genomics
  • Patient experience
  • Diversity 

The series launches with a session on Leadership by Nic Kane, Chief Nurse at BHRUT. 

The role of the CNS and ACCEND training is being delivered on wards and day units at Barts Health. 

  • 1:1 information and careers advice sessions are available.
  • Networking and peer support opportunities are actively promoted. 
Awareness Raising
  • A CNS Podcast series explores:
  • The role of Cancer CNSs
  • National CNS Day
  • International Cancer nurses
  • A Day in the Life of a CNS
  • The role of the CDL 
Contributions include:
  • A UKONS Poster
  • A Macmillan newsletter
  • A presentation at the British Gynae Cancer Society Conference
Evaluation and Data 
  • Ongoing submission of evaluation data
  • Progress tracked via CNS competencies and confidence scores

Future Plans 

Enhanced Support 
  • Continued support for the current cohort
  • New CNS to join as others complete the programme
  • Further development of peer support sessions
Universal Support
  • Continued rollout of the education series
  • Expansion of the Role of the CNS and ACCEND training at BHRUT and Homerton 
Awareness Raising 
  • Upcoming podcasts episodes
  • A BJN article in development
  • Engagement with HEIs to promote cancer nursing careers
  • Creation of career resources for aspiring cancer nurses
Evaluation and Sustainability 
  • Continued data collection and evaluation
  • Sign- off competencies for the main cohort
  • Evaluation of the universal offer
  • Planning for local sustainability and legacy