Macmillan Cancer CNS Development Lead Pilot – shortlisted for Workforce Initiative of the Year

The North East London Cancer Alliance (NELCA) is delighted to celebrate the Macmillan Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Development Lead Pilot, which has been shortlisted for a 2026 HSJ Award.

The HSJ Awards recognise outstanding innovation and excellence across UK healthcare, celebrating projects that are making a real difference to patients, staff and services. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and reflects the impact of this pioneering pan-London programme.

Hosted by the North Central London Cancer Alliance (NCLCA) on behalf of all London Cancer Alliances, the three-year pilot is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England. The programme was developed to strengthen and future-proof London's Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist workforce by improving recruitment, retention and career development.

Supporting the future cancer nursing workforce

Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists play a vital role in supporting people affected by cancer, acting as expert practitioners, patient advocates and key workers throughout the cancer pathway. However, the profession faces significant workforce challenges, including high vacancy rates, an ageing workforce and increasing demand for cancer services.

The Macmillan CNS Development Lead Pilot was created to address these challenges by introducing dedicated Cancer CNS Development Lead (CDL) roles across London's five Cancer Alliances. These roles provide structured support, coaching, education and career development for new and aspiring CNSs, helping to build confidence, improve retention and develop the next generation of cancer nursing leaders.

A collaborative London-wide programme

The pilot brings together all five London Cancer Alliances, creating a consistent approach to workforce development while supporting local needs. Through mentoring, education, shadowing opportunities and implementation of the national ACCEND Framework, the programme is helping to create sustainable career pathways for Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists across the capital.

Everyone at NELCA congratulates the programme team and partners on this well-deserved recognition.

Being shortlisted for a 2026 HSJ Award is testament to the collaboration, innovation and dedication of everyone involved in delivering the Macmillan Cancer CNS Development Lead Pilot. The programme continues to make an important contribution to strengthening the cancer nursing workforce and ensuring people affected by cancer receive high-quality, personalised care now and in the future.

Read more here:Two North Central London Cancer Alliance/UCLH projects shortlisted for 2026 HSJ Awards  | North Central London Cancer Alliance