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West Midlands Cancer Alliance
  • Home
  • About us
    • About the West Midlands Cancer Alliance
    • Who We Are
    • Meet the Team
    • News
    • Newsletters
    • Contact
  • Our work
    • Early Diagnosis
    • Treatment and Care
    • Health Inequalities and Community Engagement
    • Innovation
  • Patients' area
    • Patient and Public Resources
    • How to Get Involved
    • Patient Advocates
    • External Patient Groups
    • Common side effects of non-surgical cancer treatments
    • Patient Surveys
    • Patient Information
    • Video Library
  • Professionals' area
    • Primary Care Resources, Learning and Development
    • Clinical Resources
    • Health Inequalities Resources
    • Expert Advisory Groups
    • Operational Delivery Network
    • Performance Standards
    • Midlands Cancer Alliances Life Sciences Hub
  • Cancer Academy
    • WMCA Cancer Careers and Education programme
    • ePortfolio
    • Upcoming training
    • Additional learning resources

Cancer Academy

Upcoming training

Illustration of a boy wearing a backpack and lanyard
  • WMCA Cancer Careers and Education programme
  • ePortfolio
  • Upcoming training
  • Additional learning resources

Find out about our upcoming training

We update this area regularly so please check back from time to time to see whats new.

For an up-to-date brochure of the WMCA Training offers for ciruclation amongst Cancer teams- 

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The ACCEND Framework is designed to enhance cancer care by providing a structured approach to education and professional development for healthcare professionals.

  • It defines the essential Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) and offers a tailored educational structure to support progression at every stage of a cancer care career.
  • Launched in January 2023, the framework aims to transform career pathways and improve training and development opportunities across the cancer workforce.
  • It provides access to the education and training needed to meet role-specific competencies and includes dedicated resources for nurses, allied health professionals and those in cancer-related support roles.
  • The ACCEND Framework delivers a nationally agreed career and education structure underpinned by clearly defined capabilities in practice.

Map Your Learning to the ACCEND Framework

All WMCA endorsed training aligns with the ACCEND framework.

You can easily map and log your learning to the Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) through the ACCEND ePortfolio.

To do this:

  • Register and log in to the ePortfolio
  • Click ‘Add Entry’
  • Select 'Choose an item from the library'
  • Change the provider to Oncology National Networking Forums
  • Choose the relevant event you have attended (or plan to attend)

This tool offers a central space to track your professional development, reflections and achievements - supporting your ongoing career in cancer care.

 

 

Strengthening Communication in Oncology: November-December Webinar series

An exclusive WMCA four-part live webinar series: Strengthening Communication in Oncology

Funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA), the Strengthening GP and Clinician Communication in Oncology Webinar Series was developed to support stronger communication, collaboration and professional relationships between GPs and clinicians working across cancer services. Delivered by SBK Healthcare, this exclusive four-part live webinar programme focuses on building trust, psychological safety, managing difficult conversations, addressing conflict constructively and leading effective collaborative meetings. 

Originally designed with GPs and clinicians in mind, remaining places are now being opened to the wider cancer workforce.

These interactive sessions provide practical skills and communication frameworks that can be applied across multidisciplinary cancer teams, helping to strengthen collaborative working and ultimately improve patient care.

Click here for further details about individual sessions and booking links - 

Strengthening GP and Clinician Communication in Oncology Webinar Series.pdf
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Spaces are limited and early registration is recommended.

RUTH STRAUSS FOUNDATION - NO CONVERSATION TOO TOUGH: 21st September

In collaboration with West Midlands cancer Alliance and Ruth Strauss Foundation we are pleased to be able to offer a FREE training programme at Worcester Acute Trust in September.

Ruth Strauss image

 

The programme is designed for registered professionals including medics who provide care for patients with children, whose cancer is incurable.

Preparing children for parental death can be one of the most challenging experiences parents will face. Children who are given information and support when they need it, say they feel more included and better prepared for the death of their parent.* Parents report a need for support from their healthcare professional on how to have open and honest conversations with their children

The training day will be held on Monday 21st September 2026 08.30-16.30 in Room 1 of the Education Cantre, Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, DY11 6RJ.

Please register for the training here Training Programme - Host Organisation Landing Page - Ruth Strauss Foundation 

Free Tea and coffee and lunch will be provided in the Co-Lab, C Block Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre.

The Training is for a maximum of 20 delegates and places will be booked on a first come first serve basis.

Centrally funded courses

The National ACCEND programme team offer a number of centrally funded courses to help colleagues working with NHS England services to expand cancer knowledge, enhance communication skills and meet ACCEND capabilities.

The below courses are fully remote and available to the Cancer workforce of the West Midlands. Please note that WMCA does not coordinate these courses, for further information please click on the links below. Any questions must be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Cancer Care at Teeside University. Study this in September or January for 1 year part time.
  • Professional Development and Clinical Leadership in Cancer Module at Birmingham City University. This course is aimed at post qualification healthcare professionals and can be completed as BSc [Top-up] / Module Level 6 / Module Level 7 / MSc / PgCert orPgDip. More information about the 20 credit Professional Development and Clinical Leadership in Cancer Module at Birmingham City Univeristy can be found here 
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  • Principles of Cancer Care (PCCP) is a 4-day course, delivered on MS teams by the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance for Cancer Support Workers. Please be mindful that staff must have regular direct contact and discussions with patients to be eligible. These places are only funded for unregistered Cancer Support Workers, who must have study leave approval for the 4 consecutive days, from their manager, before securing a place.

Please share the above opportunities with colleagues.

 

Parenting with Cancer: Supporting your patients who are parents- 11th November

The WMCA is proud to have commissioned the FruitFly Collective 1-hour webinar training for the West Midlands Cancer workforce.

Join Dr Caroline Leek on Wednesday 11th November 12-1pm for a discussion about the impact of parental cancer on a family & different ways to support a parent with cancer, including how to talk to kids.

This online event is designed to provide a deeper understanding around the impact of parental cancer on the patient, their children and their family. It is a short introduction on why patients who have parental roles need support, how they can be empowered to talk to their children, and different ways you can offer them practical support.

This fully funded training is available to healthcare staff who deliver cancer care, including (but not limited to) the Cancer specific workforce (Cancer CNS, Chemotherapy unit staff, AHPs, Cancer care navigators) and the wider Cancer Workforce (NHS Talking therapies, Primary care etc).

To book your space, complete this MS form today. Please note the MS form will close on Monday 2nd November.

Please see a couple of quotes from the previous session delivered in March:

The session was so well put together and informative, hearing the answers from the children, enlightened me into the way they may feel.

Thankyou so much Caroline - amazing resources and knowledge shared 🥰

My Perfect Appointment – Learning Disabilities Webinar for Primary Care: Thursday 1 October 12pm-1pm

A webinar for primary care staff will be held on Thursday 1st October 12pm-1pm via MS Teams showcasing the My Perfect Appointment work and how it can help make a real difference to people with learning disabilities when accessing primary care.

My Perfect Appointment is a way of working that helps to get the best appointment for both you and your patient. Using reasonable adjustments is key to making this happen.

The West Midlands Cancer Alliance has collaborated with Dudley Voices for Choice, a user led charitable organisation that supports people with learning disabilities and autism to speak up for themselves, to look at what an appointment looks and feels like through the lens of a person with a learning disability. Together, we have explored some of the most common barriers faced by our community and designed an approach that we believe could be life-changing for many people who struggle with appointments and find them simply too difficult to attend.

During the webinar, you will see how making simple, practical changes can make the difference between someone attending or not attending an appointment that could help keep them well and healthy. We will showcase the work, share the learning, and demonstrate how small changes in the way we plan and deliver appointments can have a significant impact on people’s experiences and outcomes.Let’s work together to make change across the West Midlands and ensure everyone can access the right appointment, in the right way, at the right time.

To book a place on this webinar, please use this link: My Perfect Appointment – Learning Disabilities Webinar – Fill out form

MDT Leadership & Improvement Readiness Programme 2026–2027

WMCA are pleased to announce the launch of our fully virtual MDT Leadership & Improvement Readiness Programme — a blended learning programme designed for MDT members across West Midlands
Cancer Alliance.

This document details the Programme elements, the dates of the various sessions and details on how to book your space- 

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We would be grateful if you would share this Programme and booking link with Cancer MDT members in your organisation.

Click the image below to request your WMCA fully funded space 

WMCA MDT offer

 

 

Fully funded Oncology Network Forum webinars- Autumn 2026

The West Midlands Cancer Alliance are proud to have partnered with the Oncology Network Forum to bring a series of all day webinars to the West Midlands Cancer Workforce.

To view the full series and share with colleagues, please click here- 

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To secure your space on WMCA funded courses and to see alternative CPD opportunities please access the Oncology Networking Forum 

Please note that WMCA funded spaces are limited

SBK WMCA Autumn 2026jpg 

 

 

NHS IMPACT: Masterclasses

Hosted by Dr Amar Shah, National Clinical Director for Improvement, the NHS IMPACT Improvement masterclasses will provide expert advice and practical tips for improvement.

Click here to find out more and register using the links below:

  • Wednesday 3 June 2026, 3pm – Simulation in quality improvement
  • Thursday 18 June 2026, 10am – Leadership for improvement
  • Tuesday 8 September 2026, 10am – Publishing improvement work
  • Wednesday 7 October 2026, 11.30am – Flanders Quality Model (FlaQuM): Building the invisible engine of quality in healthcare
  • Monday 16 November 2026, 11am – Psychological safety in Improvement – part 2

You can watch recordings of previous lunch and learn and masterclass sessions on the NHS IMPACT Future NHS workspace.

Advanced Communication Skills Training

WMCA has partnered with the Greater Mancher Cancer Alliance to offer their Advanced Communication Skills Training package to the Cancer workforce across the West Midlands.

Learners will have access to the eLearning before immersing themselves in experiential learning. You can engage in realistic, interactive scenarios, practicing key skills like delivering difficult news, conflict resolution, and de-escalation, all in a safe and controlled environment. This AI-driven training is transforming how communication skills are taught.

Suitable for the Registered workforce, including CNSs, Specialist AHPs and ACPs. 

Feedback from WMCA course delegates who have recently completed this training:

“Excellent module I liked this type of learning . I did not particularly enjoy my last communication course I attended in-person as I personally do not like role pay”

“I found it beneficial, and the AI segment is interesting and effective.”

“It covers so much and allows you to put what you have learnt into practice with immediate feedback”

Click on the link below for more information.

Complete this MS form to request a WMCA fully funded space.

LEAP into Cancer Care training course

WMCA have commssioned fully funded spaces on the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance LEAP into Cancer Care course for the Cancer workforce across the West Midlands region.

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The LEAP Into Cancer Care education package supports staff delivering care across the cancer pathway. It is suitable for those working at supportive and assistive levels of practice, providing a consistent baseline of cancer knowledge and skills – specifically support workers. This package offers a flexible alternative to Principles in Cancer Care Programme and is aligned with the ACCEND framework.

The package includes 10 flexible sections introducing key aspects of cancer care, including Enhanced Communication Skills Training, Foundations in Psychological Care, Cancer Screening, Health Inequalities and more. It can be used as a standard induction for new support workers or accessed flexibly by those already in role. Resources have been developed by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and include quality-assured national training offers, helping to avoid duplication and ensure consistent learning.

Please complete this MS form to request a fully funded place on this programme.

This e-learning course can be completed at your own pace, however, it is suggested to take approximately 1 day to complete.

To support your ongoing development, we recommend using the ePortfolio to log your learning, reflect on progress, and upload certificates. It empowers support workers to demonstrate their skills, support appraisals, and plan future development, all in one central, accessible place. If you compete the full package, select ‘LEAP Into Cancer Care’ from the learning library and upload all your certificates. If you are completing ad hoc sections, then you can add them individually – all learning is pre-mapped to capabilities in the ACCEND Framework.

Shift Works by The Kings Fund

WMCA has teamed up with Shiftworks by the Kings Fund to offer this fully funded leadership programme to the WM Cancer workforce.

A 12-month subscription to ShiftWorks includes access to 10 different courses, monthly live workshops, nano-learning and downloadable resources. The courses are all CPD-accredited and beautifully designed, covering a range of management, leadership, and organisational development topics. ShiftWorks is a cross-sector online learning movement, where different parts of the health and care system can learn with and about each other in a way that makes it so much more than courses and CPD. With over 3000 learners signed up so far, from over 900 organisations across 17 countries, request your WMCA funded space today to join this community.

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In addition, every learner also has access to:

  • Monthly online live workshops
  • A growing library of Microdoses
  • A growing playbook of activities to run with colleagues
  • Certified social research projects
  • Daily learner support

Please watch these short videos for a visual overview:

ShiftWorks by The King's Fund - an online learning movement for change

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3BqYhk3ecI&feature=youtu.be

The content is designed for time-poor schedules and with an emphasis on actionable learning. It's conceptually rigorous, but also highly visual, actionable, and accessible, making it impactful regardless of role or stage of career.

Quotes from WMCA learners:

"I have most enjoyed being able to reflect and understand that everyone can have doubts about themselves, so we should be kind to ourselves."

"My workload means I sometimes have long gaps between logging in, so I enjoy the bitesize aspect of ShiftWorks."

If you support Cancer services across the West Midlands region and feel that you would benefit from completing this WMCA funded programme, then complete this MS form to request your place.

Active Conversations- Funded spaces available

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Are you a healthcare professional working with people affected by cancer? Every encounter you have with a patient could be a moment that matters. 

This Cancer Alliance funded training helps you make the most of those brief interactions, boosting your confidence and giving you simple tools to talk about physical activity throughout the cancer pathway.

Get 16 CPD points with this flexible, online course.

The aims of this training are to:

  • Learn how to deliver quick, effective advice that fits into tight consultation times.
  • Understand how to make every contact count with no extra appointments and no specialist referrals.

You don’t need to be an expert in exercise. You just need the mindset that small conversations can lead to big change.

This isn't about prehab or specialist interventions, it’s about every day, practical conversations that empower patients to move more for better outcomes.

To request a full funded space, please complete this MS form 

FREE: BNOS Students and trainees workshop 3rd July

BNOS Students and Trainees  Neuro-Oncology workshop we are running on Friday 3rd July 2 - 4pm at UoB as part of the BNOS Birmingham conference.

All welcome to attend and FREE  to all trainees/students/AHPs, but registration via the eventbrite link below is essential.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bnos-student-and-trainee-workshop-tickets-1982668682401

 

Prostate Cancer Manifesto Webinar: Early Detection of Prostate Cancer and Black Health Equity in the West Midlands- 24th September

Join Prostate Cancer UK for a lunchtime webinar exploring the latest updates on early detection of prostate cancer and the importance of addressing health inequalities in prostate cancer detection, treatment, and outcomes across the West Midlands.

Thursday 24 September, 12.30pm to 1:30pm, hosted online via MS Teams.

This session will provide an opportunity for health professionals to strength their understanding of:

  • Key prostate cancer risk factors.
  • The inequalities and inequities affecting prostate cancer awareness, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes, particularly among Black men.
  • Current guidance, including considerations from the UK National Screening Committee.
  • Opportunities to improve equity and ensure people at high risk receive timely assessment and care.

You can register for this event by clicking here.

Please share this opportunity with your networks.

Compassionate and Supportive Leadership Skills- 30th September

Develop your leadership approach to better support your team, build trust, promote wellbeing and lead with confidence. This 5-hour online course has been fully funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance and designed for cancer service leads and oncology professionals within WMCA Trusts — take away practical tools to enhance communication, resilience and team culture.

This thought provoking forum will guide you, step by step, towards being the inclusive and inspirational leader you aspire to be:

  •  Realise your self-care
  •  Enable team communication
  •  Promote wellbeing
  •  Build trust and positivity
  •  Mend toxic relationships
  •  Build team resilience

This training is targeted at service, group and operational leads within Cancer Services and is designed to meet the needs of all experience levels.

Click here to find out more and book your space

Empowering Your Oncology Team: Practical Strategies to Overcome Workforce Challenges- 7th October

Join this live training to empower your workforce to enhance retention, resilience, MDT collaboration and team communication.

By working through current workforce challenges using proven techniques and shared best practice, you will return to your workplace with a fresh perspective and practical tools to support an engaged, resilient and productive oncology team. Key learning outcomes include:

  • Clearly identifying roles and structures within your oncology service
  • Using ACCEND as a framework to guide career development
  • Supporting staff wellbeing and professional development
  • Strengthening clinical supervision and communication
  • Exploring career pathways in oncology
  • Looking into new models for the workforce to maximise skills and efficiency

This online meeting is ideal for and attended by leaders and managers working across the oncology service. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Consultants and Advanced Clinical Practitioners
  • Sisters and Matrons
  • Team Leads and Managers
  • Clinical Leads and Consultants

Click here for more infroamtion and to book your space.

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Contact Us

West Midlands Cancer Alliance
23 Stephenson Street
Birmingham
B2 4BJ

rwh-tr.wmcanceralliance@nhs.net

@NHS_WMCA

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