Published on 29 October 2026
A programme designed to strengthen workforce planning in cancer services has helped leaders and managers across Cheshire and Merseyside build confidence, share learning and plan for future demand.
The programme was developed after Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) undertook a workforce modelling project across NHS Trusts in the region. The project highlighted the need to support cancer leaders and managers to embed workforce planning into everyday decision-making.
To support this, CMCA worked with Skills For Health and Cancer Leads to co-design a tailored workforce planning development programme, underpinned by the Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning, which can be found here: Six Step Workforce Planning methodology | Skills for Health | Sector Skills,
Representatives from 11 NHS trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside took part in a series of interactive masterclasses, bringing together cancer managers, lead nurses and workforce leads to develop practical skills. Delegates were also given access to toolkits, resources and an ongoing community of practice to help them share learning, discuss common challenges and support long-term implementation.
Early feedback suggests the programme has made a positive impact, with 89% of participants reporting a significant increase in confidence in workforce planning following the masterclasses.
Participants praised the quality of the programme, describing it as “very worthwhile” and “very thorough and informative”. The masterclasses were also highlighted as a valuable opportunity for colleagues across the region to network, share practice and explore common workforce planning challenges together. Participants rated the programme 9.2 out of 10 on average for recommending it to colleagues, achieving a Net Promoter Score of +78.
The collaborative approach to programme design and delivery has also been shared at the NHS England Cancer Alliance Workforce Group as an example of good practice.
Isobel Wenn, Senior Project Manager at CMCA, said: “Skills For Health took the time to understand our needs and co-design a programme that was practical, engaging and relevant to our trusts.
“The delivery has been outstanding – well organised, interactive and consistently praised by participants for its practical and uplifting approach. Bringing colleagues together from across the region has created invaluable opportunities to share workforce planning challenges and exchange best practice. Early feedback shows participants are leaving with greater confidence and are looking at how they can apply their learning in practice.”
Following the success of the masterclasses, a second series will take place in 2027.