Advancing Radiotherapy Cymru (ARC)
An all-Wales programme, ARC has ambitions to drive innovation in radiotherapy treatment, expedite the adoption of novel service developments and widen access to state-of-the-art equipment, accelerating improvements in radiotherapy treatment across Wales. This will improve outcomes for cancer patients in Wales; improving quality of life and patient experience, reducing variation and inequalities in provision. The ARC Academy will place Wales at the very forefront of UK radiotherapy training and development and will facilitate recruitment and retention of the highest quality staff to work in Wales. In addition, ARC will fund research for the benefit of patients receiving radiotherapy in Wales.
Applications to ARC
The Advancing Radiotherapy Cymru (ARC) Academy invites proposals for radiotherapy based projects that aim to improve treatment for cancer patients across Wales.
ARC is an all-Wales programme that supports collaborative working on projects that improve quality of life for patients and reduce variation and inequality in provision of radiotherapy service. Applications are encouraged from projects that work regionally and nationally.
Please note all applications to the ARC Academy must:
- Align and reflect the all Wales principle of collaborative working to improve outcomes for cancer patients across Wales; improving quality of life and patient experience, reducing variation and inequalities in provision. ARC encourages applications that endeavour to work regionally as well as nationally.
- Align with one or more of the five themes of ARC
The themes are:
- Supporting innovation within radiotherapy treatment, delivering improvement to treatments and service benefitting patients across Wales.
- Training the multi-disciplinary radiotherapy workforce across Wales, supporting service developments within the radiotherapy treatment pathway across Wales.
- Supporting clinically focused radiotherapy research projects.
- Expanding patient access to the SABR service.
- Expanding the stereotactic radiosurgery service.
“We are delighted to be open for applications. The ARC Academy is a fantastic opportunity to work collaboratively across Wales on innovative and engaging radiotherapy based projects that will bring benefits to patients and colleagues alike.” Dr James Powell, Clinical Lead for ARC
Application process
Applications are accepted throughout the year; however due to the success of the programme and the strong level of interest received, applications are currently paused while the existing portfolio and pipeline are reviewed. This pause will allow the ARC Programme Team to assess current demand, support the progression of approved and developing proposals, and ensure that future applications can be managed effectively through the required internal review and governance processes. Further information on future application windows will be shared once the programme is ready to reopen.
Applications must first be reviewed by the ARC Programme Team to ensure it meets the required standards before progressing through several internal committees and groups for further consideration. Early submission will allow sufficient time for feedback and any necessary revisions ahead of formal review by the ARC Board.
The ARC business case template is to be used for all submissions. The application process will require review and support from the applicants’ host organisations, ARC Advisory Group and approval by the ARC Board.
For further information and to receive the ARC business case template, please contact: ARCAcademy@wales.nhs.uk or Ross.McLeish@wales.nhs.uk
Please note: The ARC Programme Team may request an initial meeting to discuss your project proposal and confirm alignment with the objectives of the programme. Applicants are also advised to contact the team before starting their application to confirm that sufficient funding is available and to obtain the relevant guidance and business case documentation.
Find out more about the funding application process and guidance for future submissions below.
ARC Academy
In July 2023 Velindre received £1.5 million from the Moondance Foundation which was matched by Velindre’s Charitable Funds to total £3 million to establish the Advancing Radiotherapy Cymru Academy.
The ARC Academy is an all-Wales programme supporting best practice in radiotherapy through clinical service developments, workforce recruitment, development and training, and clinical radiotherapy research for the benefit of all patients receiving radiotherapy in Wales.