Check out our recent ACCEND webinar which took place on the 9th October 24, led by Lucy Irwin (CMCA Senior Project Manager) and Deb Spearing (CMCA Senior Project Officer).
The webinar aimed to describe:
- What ACCEND is
- The framework components
- How you can access the framework and supporting tools on The Cancer Academy
- Information on the regional pilot projects that are in progress across Cheshire & Merseyside
Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments about ACCEND, we would love to hear your feedback.
Email: Deborah.
The framework has three components:
The career pathway aims to provide insight and guidance for the knowledge, behaviours and skills required to be working at each level of practice to enable the workforce to grow.
Capabilities are the attributes (skills, knowledge, and behaviours) which individuals bring to the workplace. These are spilt into different domains within the framework and are broken down for each level of practice.
The education framework provides high level learning outcomes, syllabus and suggested assessment strategies for each part of the career pathway, supporting the knowledge requirements of the core cancer CiPs.
What are the levels of practice?
Examples of job roles at supportive level:
- Cancer Support Worker
- Cancer Navigator
- Cancer Care Co-ordinator
- Healthcare Assistant
- Therapy Assistant
- Allied Health Support Worker
- Cancer Navigator
- Healthcare Support Worker
Individuals working in a role within the supportive level of practice possess a solid understanding of facts, principles, processes, and general concepts.
Other attributes include:
| Engages in a wide range of duties with some responsibility, guided and supervised as needed. |
| Committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare. |
| Uses knowledge to make informed decisions, taking ownership of work, and actively reviewing its effectiveness. |
| Adheres to standards, policies, and protocols within the bounds of their expertise. |
CMCA have created a self-assessment toolkit (in excel format) which has been simplified and adapted from the NHSE National self-assessment toolkit (PDF). To receive a copy of this please contact Deborah.
Examples of job roles at assistive level include:
- Nursing Associate (England only)
- Assistant Practitioner
- Registered Pharmacist Technician
For individuals working in a role within the assistive level of practice, a foundation of factual and theoretical knowledge is essential.
Other attributes include:
| Operates independently and collaboratively under the leadership of a registered nurse or AHP. |
| Follows defined parameters to deliver care according to agreed plans and protocols |
| Possesses a versatile skill set, catering to local health populations, considering unique perspectives of individuals, families, and/or carers. |
| Rooted in providing holistic and personalised care, supporting the entire care process. |
| Working whilst guided by standard operating procedures and protocols. |
| Actively contributes to service development, making judgements, planning activities, and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing self-development. |
| Plays a vital role in enhancing the overall quality of patient care within cancer services. |
CMCA have created a self-assessment toolkit (in excel format) which has been simplified and adapted from the NHSE National self-assessment toolkit (PDF). To receive a copy of this please contact Deborah.
Examples of job roles at pre-registration level include:
- All pre-registration nursing
- AHP and Pharmacy students/learners and trainee Nursing Associates undertaking pre-registration foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses leading to registration with the HCPC, GPhC or NMC.
The pre-registration workforce are individuals who are undergoing training and education to become qualified healthcare professionals. These individuals are in the process of completing their educational and practical training through university programs and clinical placements.
CMCA have created a self-assessment toolkit (in excel format) which has been simplified and adapted from the NHSE National self-assessment toolkit (PDF). To receive a copy of this please contact Deborah.
Examples of job roles at registration level:
- Registered nurse (all fields)
- Registered AHP
- Registered Pharmacist (At point of registration and during preceptorship)
This is when healthcare professionals have completed their education and training that is accredited by a recognised body, they are qualified and licensed to practice within the scope of their specific profession.
Other attributes include:
| Education and Accreditation | Skilled Practitioners | Problem-Solving and Contribution | Role in Care Provision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare professionals gain qualifications and licenses after completing accredited education and training recognized by respected bodies. | Possess a wealth of comprehensive, specialized knowledge—both factual and theoretical—with a keen awareness of boundaries within their expertise. | Creatively leverage knowledge to solve problems, make analytical judgments, and actively contribute to both service and self-development. | Lead, coordinate, and evaluate evidence-based, personalized, and compassionate care. |
| Accountability and Autonomy | Management of Complex Care Needs | Health Promotion and Prevention | Supervisory Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assume accountability for actions and delegations, demonstrating the ability to work autonomously or as equal partners with diverse professionals. | Expertise extends to providing care for individuals with complex mental, physical, cognitive, and behavioural needs, as well as those at the end of life. | Make significant contributions to promoting health, protecting well-being, and preventing illness. Empower people to make choices and manage their own care whenever possible. | Take charge of supervising students, staff, or training initiatives, underscoring their comprehensive role in the healthcare landscape. |
The self-assessment toolkit below has been adapted from the National self-assessment toolkit to show capabilities for the Registration level of practice only. Please export the toolkit and save it on your device so that you can complete the self assessment at your own pace.
Examples of job roles at enhanced level include:
- Registered nurse (all fields)
- Registered AHP, Registered Pharmacist. Experienced practitioners who work in a role which requires in-depth role specific cancer knowledge and skills or training
Practitioners at this level go beyond the basics, acquiring additional skills, knowledge, and experience beyond their initial registration requirements. In this advanced stage, they often step into more specialized roles, embracing increased responsibilities within their professional domain. Other attributes include:
| In-depth Knowledge and Leadership | Specialist Skills and Capabilities | Collaborative Patient Care | Clinical Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Possess a critical understanding of detailed theoretical and practical knowledge, either as generalists with a special interest or specialists with focused expertise Manage and lead responsibilities within their role |
Acquire specialist knowledge, skills, and capabilities directly related to their sphere of practice |
Consult with patients, their families, and the multi-professional team to conduct assessments of patient needs Devise and evaluate complex care plans through a comprehensive approach |
Evaluate and analyse clinical problems using their in-depth knowledge, seeking and applying relevant evidence, enhanced techniques, interventions, and equipment to make informed clinical decisions. |
| Adaptability and Innovation | Educational Role | Research and Development | Adherence to Protocols and Boundaries |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deliver enhanced clinical care amid continual change, challenging environments, different models of care delivery, innovation, and rapidly evolving technologies. Utilize analysis and deep knowledge to manage complex interventions effectively |
Teach and advise patients and their families on how to manage their conditions or support the multidisciplinary team in doing so. |
Participate in clinical audits and research projects, implementing changes as required. Contribute to the development and updating of practice protocols, guidelines, and procedures at the local level. |
Work within national and local protocols where available. Recognize the boundaries of their practice, knowing when and to whom patients should be referred. |
| Delegation and Accountability | Initiative and Creativity | Team Performance and Service Development |
|---|---|---|
|
Delegate work to other members of the multidisciplinary team, taking accountability for the delegated activity. |
Demonstrate initiative and creativity in finding solutions to problems. |
Have some responsibility for team performance and service development. Consistently undertake self-development, contributing to the continual advancement of their professional skills |
CMCA have created a self-assessment toolkit (in excel format) which has been simplified and adapted from the NHSE National self-assessment toolkit (PDF). To receive a copy of this please contact Deborah.
Examples of job roles at advanced level include:
- Registered nurse
- Registered AHP
- Registered Pharmacist practising as: An Advanced Practitioner (AP)
This level involves professionals who have pursued further education, training and often certification. Advanced practitioners have expanded scope of practice, allowing them to take on more complex clinical tasks.
Practitioners at this level not only combine advanced clinical skills but also intertwine research, education, and clinical leadership seamlessly within their scope of practice. Their characteristics include:
| Holistic Expertise | Clinical Awareness | Innovation and Responsibility | Demonstrated Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merging advanced clinical skills with research, education and clinical leadership |
Possessing a critical awareness of knowledge issues within the field and at the interface between different fields |
Being innovative and shouldering responsibility for developing and changing practice and/or services in a complex and unpredictable environment |
Demonstrating expertise within their defined scope of practice |
| Independent Clinical Management | Collaboration Across Boundaries | Regional Leadership | Adhere to National Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Managing clinical care independently at the highest level, overseeing the entire process from an individual’s presentation to the conclusion of the episode. This may include admission, referral, discharge, or care at home |
Collaborating as an integral part of the broader health and social care team and transcending traditional professional boundaries. |
Working across the service, network, and/or regionally, leading and influencing practice development and service improvements |
Satisfying all the requirements of their nation to be recognized as an Advanced Practitioner. |
This level not only represents a culmination of advanced skills but also a commitment to holistic, innovative, and impactful practice within the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
CMCA have created a self-assessment toolkit (in excel format) which has been simplified and adapted from the NHSE National self-assessment toolkit (PDF). To receive a copy of this please contact Deborah.
Examples of job roles at consultant level include:
- Registered Nurse (all fields)
- Registered AHP
- Registered Pharmacist Practising as: A Consultant Practitioner
At this level, practitioners not only represent the pinnacle of clinical expertise but also epitomize leadership, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future of healthcare on a broad scale.
This is the highest level of practice and often involves professionals who have achieved a significant level of expertise in their speciality. Consultants are recognised leaders in their field and may be involved in teaching, research, and leading clinical teams. Other attributes include:
| Cutting-Edge Specialised Knowledge | Leadership and Analytical Prowess | Driving Service Improvement and Innovation | Pioneering Research and Knowledge Generation | Knowledge Transfer and Mobilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Requiring highly specialized knowledge, some at the forefront of their field, serving as the bedrock for original thinking and/or research. | Being leaders with substantial responsibility, equipped with the ability to research and analyse intricate processes. | Holding responsibility for service improvement, development, and innovation. | Generating new knowledge about the best treatment and care by actively seeking and implementing evidence to enhance health and care outcomes. | Leading the transfer and mobilization of new knowledge, utilizing implementation science methods to address high-priority questions related to service delivery. |
| Strategic Leadership and Change Management | Leading at the “Leading Edge” | Diverse Responsibilities | Nationwide Recognition | Transformational Leadership in Patient Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applying expert knowledge and leading strategic change across entire systems through ongoing clinical development and research. | Operating at the ‘leading edge’ of their profession, developing and consolidating clinical expertise through interdisciplinary research and clinical leadership. | May encompass considerable clinical and/or management responsibilities, accountability for service delivery, or a leading role in education or commissioning. | Satisfying all the requirements of their nation to be recognized as a consultant practitioner | Transforming the way care is developed and delivered, leading partnerships with patients, the public, clinical academic experts, and other stakeholders to make improvements locally, nationally, and internationally. |
CMCA have created a self-assessment toolkit (in excel format) which has been simplified and adapted from the NHSE National self-assessment toolkit (PDF). To receive a copy of this please contact Deborah.
Read the latest news from the ACCEND national team:
The implementation of the ACCEND framework project is part of our Workforce Programme for 2024/25, which aligns with the main workforce priority areas highlighted as part of the NHS Long Term Plan, the NHS People Plan 2020/21: actions for us all, the Cancer Workforce Plan and the Diagnostics: Recovery and Renewal report.
We are working with three Trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside, running pilot projects to support with implementation of the framework.
The main objectives of the pilot projects are :
- To engage with staff and provide them with an understanding of ACCEND
- To communicate and help individuals to understand what the framework means for them
- To highlight any gaps in capabilities across the workforce for each level of practice
- To support individuals to take ownership of their development
- To provide a clear career pathway evidencing against the framework
If you would like to find out more about implementation of the framework in Cheshire and Merseyside please contact Lucy Irwin via email lucy.