As systems work to meet cancer standards set out in the national cancer plan, particularly around earlier diagnosis and improving access to screening, the Credential in Breast Disease Management has secured a place on the new national Education and Training Activity Plan (ETAP). For breast units currently looking to improve their performance in one stop clinics, breast screening and/or family history clinics, the programme thus offers a validated, subsidised workforce solution, with sustained centralised funding support.
The Credential is a comprehensive, quality assured three-year training programme developed by the National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA), the Association of Breast Clinicians (ABC), the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), and NHS England. It offers breast units support to recruit and train their own Breast Clinician (SAS doctor), who is automatically enrolled into the Credential. Breast units recruiting a trainee Breast Clinician before April 2027 can access up to £120,000 in funding, including an additional £30,000 incentive payment available for the first 10 appointments.
The programme provides salary support, a training curriculum, educational resources, learner mentorship, an assessment framework and oversight from a national oversight board. It facilitates Breast Clinicians to gain the skills to support breast services in breast radiology, surgical clinics and family history services.
Learners take on increasing levels of independent practice as they progress. The programme is typically based in one breast unit, meaning learners remain within their employing Trust throughout, building a clear understanding of the service while also supporting future recruitment and retention.
Demand across breast services continues to rise, and services are increasingly relying on Breast Clinicians to help manage that pressure. They offer a flexible and cost-effective addition to the workforce:
They support screening, early diagnosis and the wider pathway
Breast Clinicians are SAS doctors trained to work independently in breast screening services, radiology and surgical symptomatic one stop clinics and family history clinics. They clinically assess patients, report mammograms and perform breast ultrasound, undertake image-guided intervention, and assess, stratify and manage breast cancer risk. Breast Clinicians support the breast pathway to achieve earlier diagnosis, improve waiting times and provide personalised care.
They can be deployed where pressure is greatest
Credentialled Breast Clinicians are extremely versatile members of the breast unit. They are able to move between radiology, surgical and family history teams and respond to service needs, supporting systems to manage pressure points in screening, assessment and outpatient clinics.
They provide a cost-effective workforce solution
As SAS doctors, Breast Clinicians can undertake a wide range of clinical activity, including independent patient management, at a lower cost than Consultant Radiologists or Surgeons. Their role in family history services can also reduce demands on regional genetic services. This creates additional capacity while making best use of consultant expertise.
They come with funded training support
Up to £120,000 per trainee Breast Clinician is available for breast units that recruit before April 2027, comprising £90,000 through ETAP funding plus an additional £30,000 incentive payment. This enhanced incentive funding is available for the first 10 trainee Breast Clinicians recruited before April 2027, providing a significant contribution towards training costs and making it easier for systems to invest in workforce growth.
They are trained and retained locally
Spending three years within one Trust allows trainees to build strong relationships and a clear understanding of local pathways. For organisations, this creates a pipeline of skilled clinicians who are more likely to stay and continue contributing to the service.
They are a quality-assured, nationally recognised role
The Credential standardises and recognises training for Breast Clinicians, supporting a consistent, high-quality approach across services. [
Since its launch in 2019, the Credential has increased the Breast Clinician workforce by around 34%, and an independent economic evaluation has projected a 46% return on investment over 10 years. With ETAP funding now available, systems now have a sustainable and funded route to grow this workforce further. To accelerate uptake, additional funding has also been secured for a limited period. Breast units recruiting a trainee Breast Clinician before April 2027 will receive total funding of £120,000 per trainee, with the additional £30,000 available for the first 10 appointments.
Professor Geeta Menon, NHS England Cancer and Diagnostics Workforce Lead, said:
“The inclusion of the Credential in Breast Disease Management within the Education and Training Activity Plan is an important step in supporting systems to address workforce shortages. It provides a funded, high-quality training route that will help services build capacity and strengthen cancer pathways in line with the priorities set out in the national cancer plan, ultimately improving access and outcomes for patients.”
Dr Caroline Parkin, NBIA Co-Founder and Chair of the Credential Oversight Board, said:
“For ICBs, this is a practical opportunity to develop a quality assured and versatile workforce that directly supports cancer plan priorities, while helping manage demand and improve patient experience.
“At a time when services are being asked to do more with limited resources, the Credential offers a cost-effective model that is already delivering impact and is now backed by long-term national investment.”
Any interested ICBs and breast teams should e-mail [email protected] and further details are available on the Breast Clinician Credential page of the NBIA website.