ACCEND Programme and Framework

The ACCEND Programme. (Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development) is a UK- wide initiative led by NHS England and co-delivered with Macmillan Cancer Support. It was launched to transform the career pathways, education, and training for healthcare professionals who care for people affected by Cancer. 

Purpose of ACCEND

• To provide clear guidance on the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required for cancer care across various roles.
• To support career progression and workforce development in both generalist and specialist cancer services.
• to address the lack of nationally agreed competency framework and defined career routes for nurses, allied health professionals (AHP), and support workers in cancer care. 

Who It's For

The supportive, assistive, nursing and allied health professions workforce who provide care to people affected by cancer in general and specialist cancer settings, services and roles, including. 

• support workers
• Nursing associates
• Registered nurses
• Allied health professionals (AHPs)
• Pharmacists
• Psychologists

Published in January 2023 (and due to be updated in 2025), the framework consists of three key components: 

Career Pathway

Defines levels of practice from supportive and assistive roles to consultant-level professionals. It provides a structures route for career development. 

Core Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs)

These are colour-coded attributes (knowledge, skills behaviors) tailored to each level of practice across seven domains. They help ensure consistent, high-quality care. 

These are colour-coded attributes (knowledge, skills behaviors) tailored to each level of practice across seven domains. They help ensure consistent, high-quality care. 

Education Framework 

Sets out core knowledge descriptors and learning outcomes: 

• Foundations in Cancer Care for Supportive, Assistive and Pre -registration levels.
• Fundamentals in Cancer care for Registration, Enhanced, Advanced, and consultant levels.
• Postrgraduate Certificates and specialists qualifications for advanced roles. 

Impact and Implementation

• Supports workforce transformation and succession planning.
• Enables commissioning of education and training aligned with workforce needs.
• Promotes staff wellbeing and retention by offering clear career development opportunities.