Cancer Support Workers
Training and Development
Guidance for Cancer Support Worker/Navigator Induction programmes
From our experience with Cancer Support Workers and Navigators, those who are given a clear job plan and offered a comprehensive induction programme are more likely to integrate quickly with their Cancer teams in a positive and cohesive manner. A good induction programme enhances face-to-face contact with other individuals (both within the trust and primary care) and facilitates embedding this new role within the workforce giving the opportunity for discussion of working relationships, roles and responsibilities.
As well as attending the Cancer Alliance’s Support Workers Development Programme and completing the Portfolio (which is aligned to national recommendations for KPI’s), these are some further suggestions that could be included in a local Induction Plan:
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Introduction to named ‘Mentor’ – review roles and responsibilities Orientation to Department/workstation/facilities |
ED/LWBC |
|
Meeting with MDT Coordinator/ Cancer Tracker/Booking Clerks to understand pathways and process |
ED |
|
Attending an MDT (with CNS/Mentor) |
ED/LWBC |
|
Several days shadowing CSW/Navigator in similar role (in house or regionally) |
ED/LWBC |
|
Shadowing CNS (observing HNA) |
LWBC |
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Introducing/meeting local GPs/staff practices (face to face or telephone) |
ED |
|
Visiting local cancer community support centres (i.e. Brio) |
LWBC |
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Observing relevant clinics (i.e. endoscopy/lung) |
ED/LWBC |
|
Observing process and treatment(s) in radiotherapy/chemotherapy |
LWBC |
|
Session/Visit with Macmillan Information Centre/Maggie’s |
LWBC |
We are currently planning the next phase of virtual training for CSW’s new in post across Cheshire and Merseyside. Details will be released as soon as these have been finalised. If you have any queries please contact:
Lucy Irwin, Workforce Transformation Facilitator via email lucy.irwin1@nhs.net
Below is our latest training prosectus with details of all of our workshops, our CSW Portfolio and our presentation slides from the most recent training and development workshops.
Cancer Support Worker Portfolio
Resilience Workshop Presentation 9th March 2020
Cancer 101 Workshop slides- updated Feb 2020
Early Diagnosis Cancer Support Workers 
Example Job Description and Person Specification
Living with and Be
yond Cancer Support Workers
Example Job Description and Person Specification
Peer Support
We organise a regular 'Tea-Brief' and invite all CSW's accross Cheshire and Merseyside to attend. This is an opportunity for individuals to catch-up with colleagues, to share good practice and develop your support network. We focus on any areas that have been challenging for our CSW's including a session on resilience.
If you are interested in attending future 'tea-brief' workshops please contact the team by email on
ccf-tr.admin.cmca@nhs.net
Contact us with your success stories
We would love to hear from you!
Get in touch with any feedback following attendance at our training programme or with examples of what is working within your new role.
