New Cancer Care Framework Set to Revolutionise UK Nursing
Health Education England, partnering with Skills for Health, has unveiled a game-changing cancer care framework. This new system offers a common language and clear pathways to transform training and careers for cancer support workers, nurses, and allied health professionals (AHPs).
Seven Levels of Cancer Care Expertise
The framework breaks down practice into seven levels — from supportive and assistive roles, to pre-registration, registration, enhanced, advanced, and consultant levels. It ensures every practitioner can build the vital knowledge, skills, and behaviour to deliver top-tier care for cancer patients and survivors.
Experts Back the ACCEND Programme
Professor Mark Radford CBE, Chief Nurse, Health Education England, said: “Cancer affects 1 in 2 of us during our lifetimes. Science and tech are evolving fast, but so must our workforce. The ACCEND programme prepares cancer nurses and AHPs for these rapid advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and care.
“This national education framework supports career growth and encourages nurses to reach their full potential — whether in supportive, assistive or registered roles. It’s a roadmap for delivering care at every step of the cancer journey.”
Claire Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “With cancer backlogs rising, this framework is vital. It’s easy to use, complements other guidelines, and should be the go-to for all nurses supporting people with cancer. ACCEND has real potential to transform cancer nursing careers.”
Royal College and UKONS Give Thumbs Up
The framework has earned endorsements from the Royal College of Nursing and the United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS).
UKONS President Mark Foulkes: “This capability framework is the first clear educational guide for all allied health professionals working with cancer patients. It fills a big gap in cancer care education and links to a broad range of resources. It’s designed for everyone from pre-registration staff to strategic leaders.”
Nikki Morris, Chair of the Royal College of Nursing Cancer and Breast Care Forum, said: “This framework is essential for nurses to deliver today’s best cancer care and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. It defines the knowledge, skills, and career paths needed to provide uniform, outstanding care across the cancer team. The format is clear, informative, and user-friendly. Nurses have welcomed this resource wholeheartedly.”
With the ACCEND framework in place, cancer care in the UK is gearing up for a bold new era — equipped, educated, and ready to tackle the tough fight. Stay tuned as this programme rolls out nationwide.
