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:

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
Introducing/meeting local GPs/staff practices (face to face or telephone)	ED
Visiting local cancer community support centres (i.e. Brio)	LWBC
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

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.

Training Prospectus

Cancer Support Worker Portfolio

Resilience Workshop Presentation 9th March 2020

Cancer 101 Workshop slides- updated Feb 2020

Person Centred Communication Workshop 26th Nov 2019 Presentation

Personalised Care and Support Planning Workshop 3rd Dec 2019 Presentation

Early Diagnosis Cancer Support Workers

Example Job Description and Person Specification

Living with and Beyond 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.