We are pleased to launch the final evaluation report of the Northeast and Yorkshire (NEY) Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Workforce Development Programme — a transformative initiative delivered in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, the four regional Cancer Alliances, and NHS England Workforce, Training and Education.
This comprehensive and expertly written report presents compelling evidence of the programme’s success in addressing a critical workforce challenge across our cancer systems.
Through strategic collaboration, 42 aspiring CNSs were recruited and supported across 20 NHS Trusts, with an exceptional 90% completion rate and 92% of completers securing permanent posts. These outcomes reflect a significant step forward in strengthening the CNS pipeline and improving cancer care delivery across the region.
The evaluation highlights the programme’s unique blend of academic rigour, structured mentorship, and face-to-face engagement — all underpinned by the Macmillan Person-Centred Care Competency Framework and aligned with the national ACCEND framework. It demonstrates how targeted investment and system-wide collaboration can drive sustainable workforce transformation, enhance clinical capability, and improve patient experience.
This report is more than a summary of achievements; it is a blueprint for future CNS development. It reflects the collective commitment of our oncology community to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care and offers a scalable model for national adoption.
We extend our sincere thanks to all colleagues, mentors, learners, and stakeholders who engaged with and supported the programme in any capacity. Your contributions have been instrumental in its success. In particular, we would like to acknowledge Sarah Grant, Workforce Development Programme Manager for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, whose leadership, dedication, and expertise were central to the successful delivery of this programme.
Hazel Rodger, Professional and Clinical Lead, Nursing and AHP, West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance
Read the Final Report here: https://
Executive summary here: https://
