In June, 5 of our Voices joined us for our all-staff conference in London. They shared how they’re shaping our work as a charity, from our new strategy to our support services, our website and more.
What’s the staff conference?
On 18 June 2025, Breast Cancer Staff from across the UK met together in London for our staff conference. Our staff conferences happen every 2 years and are a chance for staff to connect with each other, celebrate everything we’ve achieved together and look forward to what’s to come.
A main focus of the day was our new strategy, which is being launched in the autumn. Staff had a first look at what our main focus will be, and what we want to achieve over the next 5 years.
Throughout the day, our Voices played a key role. They took part in the sessions and reminded us of the incredible work that you all do with us.
How did Voices get involved?
5 of our Voices joined us for the day. Cheryl, Natalie and Penny, have been part of the steering group for the new strategy for the past few months. And Neva and Nes joined a panel session about other ways that people affected by breast cancer are shaping our work.
Our new strategy
Cheryl, Natalie and Penny joined our senior leaders and others from the steering group to present our new strategy to staff.
They talked about their experiences of breast cancer, and the ways in which our new strategy will address some of the challenges they faced. They especially talked about how important it is that we’re raising awareness about the support we provide, and about the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer.
I feel really excited about Breast Cancer Now's new strategy. So I was delighted to be able to come to the staff conference even if talking about my boobs to a large audience was a little bit daunting! But I hope it demonstrated how our own diverse experiences can inform strategic goals.
Penny
Breast Cancer Voice - Strategy steering group
We also saw some videos from Sarah, who couldn’t be at the conference. She reminded all of us about the importance of our work across the charity, from our nurses, to our services team, to our IT wizzes and our legal team.
I was privileged to be asked to be one of the Voices and part of the new Strategy Steering Group. It did feel like quite a responsibility, and I hope I represented you all. I really loved it, it was like being back at work, and being challenged mentally, I got a real buzz out of it. I'm super proud of the new strategy.
Sarah
Strategy steering group
Having our Voices on the strategy panel really brought to life the importance of our work. They helped all the staff understand the impact that the work we’ll do through the strategy will have for people affected by breast cancer.
It was such an honour to be part of an incredible and important piece of work to bring the strategy and future vision of Breast Cancer Now to life. To see all members of staff and trustees who work tirelessly behind the scenes in one room was invaluable and something I will never forget.
Cheryl
Breast Cancer Voice - strategy steering group
It has been a true privilege to be involved in helping shape BCN strategy for the next 5 years. This strategy isn’t just a plan - it’s a catalyst for lasting impact which turns intention into measurable change and hope into reality.
Natalie
Breast Cancer Voice - Strategy steering group
Keeping lived experience at the heart of what we do
Neva and Nes joined Dawn, who’s part of the Moving Forward team, to talk about their experiences of breast cancer, how they’re getting involved with the charity, and why it’s important for people affected by breast cancer to be involved in our work.
Publicly sharing my story wasn't an easy decision, but the support I received from the team quickly turned my nervousness into excitement. It was an excellent opportunity to talk about my involvement with the 'Here for you' team and feel truly heard by the other panellists and staff.
Neva
Breast Cancer Voice - Here for You advisory group
They spoke powerfully about how their diagnoses inspired them to get involved and make a difference, and about how they’re doing just that through different projects. They reminded staff about the significance of taking time to listen to people and to really collaborate with people affected by breast cancer to understand what matters to them.
I felt immensely proud to be invited on to the panel and represent the Peer Learning Group. I wanted to give a little insight into how it feels working at Breast Cancer Now having had breast cancer, how we navigate emotions within our roles and also how our lived experiences can help support our work.
Dawn
Moving Forward team
It was a highlight of the day, and a favourite session for a lot of the staff there. And it was a powerful reminder of how involving our Voices in the projects we do as a charity can make sure that we’re meeting the needs of people affected by breast cancer, and truly making a difference.
I felt very humbled to be invited and it was such a great opportunity to share my experience and journey with like minded people. I feel a lot of hope and optimism for the future, seeing how BCN are involving those of us with lived experience, in their future plans.
Nes
Breast Cancer Voice - Secondary services advisory group
What are the next steps?
Our new strategy will be publicly launched in Autumn 2025, and we’ll be sharing more information about it in the next few months.
Get involved
Find more opportunities like this to take part in our work and create change for people affected by breast cancer.