Macmillan Clincial Nurse Specialist Development Lead Pilot featured in British Journal of Nursing

A major London-wide workforce pilot, supported by each cancer alliance in London along with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England, features in the latest British Journal of Nursing (BJN). 

Five cancer clinical nurse specialist development leads (CDLs) are making a big impact on confidence building, skills development and independent working for established and upcoming cancer CNSs across London.

Thanks to our team members and the CDLs for working so hard to create sustainability in the workforce as we plan for the future to meet national, regional and local priorities.

The article, titled ''Strengthening the cancer clinical nurse specialist workforce: insights from a pilot CNS development project', explains how the pilot is responding to workforce pressures highlighted in the 2019 London Lead Cancer Nurse Forum report, which identified

• high vacancy rates

• an ageing workforce

• the need for structured career progression. 

CDLs play a crucial role in supporting early-career CNSs, providing mentorship, fostering leadership skills, and ensuring standardised development opportunities. Early findings suggest that this model strengthens workforce sustainability, enhances CNS retention, and contributes to improved patient outcomes.

For more information

Read more about the pilot in north east London: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/macmillan-cancer-cns-development-lead-cdl

Listen to our podcast about the pilot: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/podcast/episode-47-strengthening-cancer-nursing-across-london 

Read the article in full: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2026-06/dean-et-al-2026-strengthening-the-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-workforce-insights-from-a-pilot-cns-development.pdf