Education Partnership North East (EPNE) recently hosted a vital roundtable discussion focused on supporting the development of policy and workplace practices for employees living with precancerous conditions or cancer.

The event at Sunderland College’s City Campus brought together key organisations from across the North East to explore how employers can develop more inclusive and enabling workplaces which recognise the life-changing impact on employees, from their diagnosis and throughout the cancer journey.

Discussions focused on the emotional impact of a serious diagnosis, and the sense of anxiety, fear and loss that often manifests. Colleagues shared personal and professional insights into life changing emotional, cognitive, physical, financial and employment challenges often faced by those affected, and the vital role employers play.

In attendance were representatives from a range of education, health, housing, utility, local government and charitable organisations linked to cancer.

Organisations authentically shared their varying approaches to leading and transforming workplace culture and practice. The round table brought to the surface the different stages of employer progress and developments across the North east, and as an outcome, participants commitment to action.

Ally Young, Executive Director of People and Organisational Development at EPNE, said: “”We’re incredibly grateful to all the organisations who joined us for this important conversation, As employers, we have a clear responsibility to support those living with or affected by cancer in the workplace- with empathy, flexibility, and practical action.

“As a changemaking organisation, this roundtable marks the beginning of our ongoing commitment to imp riving workplace policy and practice within and beyond the boundaries of our own organisation. We look forward to continuing these vital discussions to build truly inclusive and compassionate working environments across the region.”