Episode 51: Developing a world-class workforce strategy

In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Dr Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, Sarita Yaganti, Programme Lead for Personalised Cancer Care, and Yvonne Beadle, Workforce Programme Manager, all from North East London Cancer Alliance.

Together, they explore the development of the Alliance’s new Workforce Strategy and the extensive collaboration, insight, and commitment that has gone into shaping it. With cancer services facing unprecedented demand and ongoing workforce challenges, this strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to support, grow, and sustain the cancer workforce across north east London.

The conversation looks at why workforce planning is such a critical enabler of high-quality cancer care, and how investing in people directly translates into better experiences and outcomes for patients. Sarita and Yvonne discuss how the strategy reflects the realities of working in cancer services today, from recruitment and retention pressures to the need for new roles, new skills, and more personalised approaches to care.

Listeners will hear how the strategy has been informed by staff voices across disciplines and settings, ensuring it is grounded in real-world experience. The episode also explores how workforce development supports personalised cancer care, improves equity of access, and helps ensure that patients receive the right care, from the right professional, at the right time.

Crucially, this discussion highlights what the Workforce Strategy means for staff working in cancer care across north east London, whether they are clinicians, support staff, managers, or those considering a career in cancer services. It outlines opportunities for development, innovation, and collaboration, and reinforces the message that supporting staff wellbeing is central to delivering sustainable, compassionate cancer care.

Above all, the episode brings the focus back to patients. By strengthening and valuing the workforce, the North East London Cancer Alliance is helping to ensure that local people affected by cancer receive high-quality, personalised care now and in the future.

For more information about the cancer alliance’s Workforce Strategy, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-workforce-strategy

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