North East London Cancer Alliance launches next phase of strategy delivery

On the 29th April 2026, North East London Cancer Alliance brought together over 120 colleagues and partners for an engaging and interactive event to mark the next phase of our work across the system. 

The session focused on the launch of three new strategies - Workforce, Health Inequalities and Artificial Intelligence (AI) - and how, together, they will support delivery of national priorities set out in the NHS England Cancer Plan, while responding to the specific needs of our local population. 

A Collaborative step forward 

The event reflected a clear shift from strategy development to delivery. 

Colleagues from across the system, including patients, clinicians, carers, volunteers, nurses and charities, joined to hear from each of the three delivery groups.

Their presentations outlined the ambitions, priorities and practical actions that will shape the next stage of North East London Cancer Alliance's work to improve local cancer services.

Importantly, the day was designed to be interactive. Attendees were actively involved throughout, contributing their insights, experiences and ideas. 

This open discussion helped to bring the strategies to life and ensured they are grounded in the realities of frontline delivery. 

Three strategies, one shared ambition

Each strategy plays a distinct but connected role in improving cancer outcomes across north east London: 

• Workforce Strategy: strengthening and supporting our workforce to meet current and future demand
• Health Inequalities Strategy: Tackling variation in access, experience and outcomes across our communities
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy: exploring how innovation and  technology can enhance care and support earlier diagnosis

Together, these strategies from a coordinated approach to delivering the ambitions of the Cancer Plan at a local level, ensuring that improvements are both sustainable and equitable. 

Reflecting on the event, Noel Judge, Chair of the NELCA Patient Cancer Voice Group said that the "event was exceptionally well organised, engaging and highly informative. It was inspiring to see such a forward-thinking approach to addressing health inequalities while also embracing the potential of AI to strengthen and support the cancer workforce. 

The event created an excellent platform for collaboration, and discussion around how innovation can improve patient experience, outcomes, and quality of care. It was particularly encouraging to see a clear commitment to supporting workforce while keeping patients at the centre of service improvement."

Creating space for conversation

Alongside the main programme, the event also created opportunities for informal engagement. 

A podcast station was set up on the day, inviting attendees to share their reflections on the strategies and discuss how the work will impact their roles and the communities they serve. These conversations will help capture a range of perspectives and continue the dialogue beyond the event itself. 

The North East London Cancer Alliance information stand also provided a central point for attendees to connect with the team, with resources available to take away, including information leaflets and materials to support ongoing engagement. 

Looking ahead

The event marked an important milestone for North East London Cancer Alliance, signalling the transition into the next phase of delivery. By aligning our local priorities with national direction and continuing to work collaboratively across organisations, we are well placed to drive meaningful improvements in cancer care for our population. 

The three strategies will play a critical role in achieving this, providing a clear framework for action and a shares focus for partners across North East London. 

Listen and watch!

As part of the event, Steve Bland set up a podcast station to explore the three strategies in more detail.

Click the links below to listen to the episodes.

Workforce Strategy: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/podcast/episode-54-launching-our-workforce-strategy

AI Strategy: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/podcast/episode-55-launching-our-ai-strategy

Health Inequalities: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/podcast/episode-56-launching-our-health-inequalities-strategy

Event video:

Watch highlights from the day Here 

More information

Remember to check out our webpages for the latest strategy documents, slide packs and resources on our strategy webpages.

• Workforce Strategy: Strengthening and supporting our workforce to meet current and future demand
• Health Inequalities Strategy: Tackling variation in access, experience and outcomes across our communities
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy: Exploring how innovation and technology can enhance care and support earlier diagnosis