Macmillan Engagement / Patient Involvement post

Croydon BME Forum, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, is tackling ethnic inequalities in health and social care through this “Can You C Me Project”. The Macmillan Team offers personalised support, information, and referrals for individuals affected by cancer, including families and carers, across six South West London boroughs: Croydon, Merton, Kingston, Wandsworth, and Richmond. Working within a team of three, you will be responsible for two boroughs, Croydon and Merton while supporting colleagues as needed.

As a Project Coordinator for the Can You C Me project, you will play a key role in engaging BME communities to enhance cancer awareness and support. Reporting to the Programme Manager, you will lead outreach initiatives, community engagement, and the organisation of project activities across Southwest London. Each coordinator is assigned a specific set of boroughs, collaborating closely with community organisations, faith groups, healthcare providers, and individuals affected by cancer.

Key Responsibilities

·        Engage and build relationships with local communities, faith groups, and voluntary organisations to raise cancer awareness and improve support networks.

·        Organise and deliver cancer awareness events, workshops, and outreach sessions tailored to community needs.

·        Facilitate steering groups with professionals and individuals with lived experience to shape service delivery.

·        Plan and coordinate two cancer conferences per year, ensuring they raise awareness, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change.

·        Conduct focus groups within designated boroughs to capture insights from the community and ensure services reflect their needs.

·        Collect and analyse feedback from service users to inform and enhance project delivery.

·        Provide signposting, referrals, and follow-ups to ensure individuals access local voluntary, community, and statutory support services.

·        Collaborate with professionals to improve cultural competency in cancer care by delivering upskilling sessions and developing culturally appropriate resources.

·        Empower service users by providing accessible information and supporting them in assessing their abilities, setting goals, and making informed decisions about their care.

·        Engage with BME communities to identify and address barriers to support and disparities in healthcare access.

·        Assist with social media, publicity, and project promotion to enhance engagement and awareness.

·        Maintain project records, contribute to quarterly and annual reports, and ensure smooth service delivery.

·        Provide compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive support to service users, carers, and families.

·        Regularly travel across at least two boroughs to deliver support and collaborate with partners.

 

A - Application form
I – Interview
C – Certificate (original evidence)

Essential Skills & Experience

Assessed

1.      Experience in community engagement, outreach or health promotion A/I

2.      Strong understanding of health inequalities, particularly within BME communities A/I

3.      Experience using a person-centred approach to empower service users in making informed choices A/I

4.      Experience working in cancer services, supporting individuals living with and beyond cancer as well as their families, and carers A/I

5.      Proven ability to build relationships with primary care, adult social care professionals, and the voluntary sector A/I

6.      Experience in organising and facilitating focus groups, steering groups, training sessions, and upskilling workshops A/I

7.      Ability to collect, record, and analyse service user data and feedback to inform service improvements A/I

8.      Passion for improving health equity and raising cancer awareness A/I

9.      Experience working with volunteers and small community groups A/I

10.   Experience in content creation and social media engagement for awareness and outreach A/I

11.   Holds a valid UK driving license and can commute to various service locations across the borough A/I

Knowledge

1.      Understand Personalised Care and cancer support services across Primary, Secondary Care, and voluntary sectors A/I

2.      Knowledge of self-care support and the skills required to assist individuals in managing their health A/I

3.      Awareness of confidentiality principles when handling service user information A/I

4.      Familiarity with cancer pathways, Macmillan Cancer Support, and tools like Electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (EHNA) (desirable) A/I

5.      Knowledge of local healthcare structures and community services in Croydon and Merton A/I

6.      Engage compassionately with communities hesitant to access healthcare A/I

7.      Understand safeguarding principles as they apply to children and vulnerable adults A/I

Aptitudes, skills and competencies

1.      Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook, and experience using online monitoring systems such as Views  A/I

2.      Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to actively listen, motivate, support, and advocate for service users A/I

3.      Ability to develop effective relationships with a wide range of customers, organisations, and partners A/I

4.      Proactive, dynamic, and able to use initiative to solve problems and drive improvements A/I

5.      Strong organisational, planning, and time management skills A/I

6.      Ability to accurately collect, monitor, and analyse data, producing KPIs and evaluation reports A/I

7.      Self-motivated and able to work independently, meeting deadlines and targets A/I

8.      Ability to identify and assess risk when working with individuals

Personal qualities

1.      Demonstrates personal accountability, emotional resilience, and the ability to work under pressure I

2.      Committed to working in cancer services and improving patient experiences A/I

3.      Values equality and diversity, with a strong understanding of its relevance to service delivery A/I