Hayley Leonard

Forum Chair

Hayley has worked in oncology for over 20 years specialising in haemato-oncology and stem cell transplant in both the NHS and third sector.

She is passionate about improving services for  patients that focus on quality of life, psychological support and late effects of treatment. She has collaborated nationally to drive improvements on the post-transplant pathway and is named author for published work on variations in provision of psychological care across stem cell transplant.

Within leadership Hayley is committed to fostering psychologically safe cultures and developing innovative services, with her MSc focusing on how leadership behaviours influence psychological safety in oncology.

Recently she has moved into education supporting nurses’ and AHP professional development and promoting the delivery of high quality, holistic care in oncology.

Lauren Dollive

Deputy Chair

Macmillan Personalised Care Transformation Lead for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance

As the Macmillan Personalised Care Transformation Lead for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance, Lauren Dollive brings over 20 years of expertise in healthcare to her role with the RCN.

A passionate advocate for personalised cancer care, Lauren is committed to improving outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer. She began her oncology career as a Cancer Nurse Specialist before becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in oncology, developing skills in cancer care, acute oncology, and advanced clinical practice.

Lauren holds a Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice from Sheffield Hallam University and a Diploma in Leadership and Management, equipping her with the expertise to lead transformative change in healthcare settings.

In 2018, Lauren broadened her focus by transitioning to primary care, where she worked on women’s health, digital healthcare, service improvement, and change management. This allowed her to apply her cancer expertise in a new context while gaining valuable insights into bridging gaps between systems.

Returning to cancer services in 2024, Lauren now leads transformative projects for the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board Cancer Alliance. Her work focuses on embedding personalised care across cancer pathways and systems and advancing non-surgical oncology at a system-wide level. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, clinicians, and patients, she has co-designed strategies that prioritise advocacy, psychosocial support, and quality of life, ensuring that the patient voice remains central to every initiative.

Lauren’s leadership style is approachable and team-oriented, reflecting her dedication to patient-centred care. She is passionate about empowering her colleagues, driving innovation, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Through her work with the RCN, Lauren aims to connect with a diverse workforce, represent cancer nurses and advanced nursing practice within the college, and influence positive change across the profession.

Mo Ibrahim

Mo is a Senior Research Nurse specializing in urology oncology at The Royal Marsden Hospital, where he is involved in and coordinate a range of clinical trials aimed at advancing cancer treatments, especially prostate and bladder cancers.

His professional journey includes previous experience in head and neck oncology, as well as a background in public health.

Prior to joining the Royal Marsden, Mo worked in Lebanon, his birth country, responding to different humanitarian needs and addressing health challenges related to the Syrian refugee crisis.

His work has always been driven by a passion for improving patient outcomes and contributing to global health initiatives.

Dr Vanessa Taylor RGN, EdD, MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Cancer Nursing), PGCE, BSc, DPSN

Professor of Cancer and Palliative Care & Director of Practice & Care Partnerships

University of Huddersfield

As Professor of Cancer and Palliative Care, Vanessa’s scholarship activities focus on workforce development. She was Lead Author for the RCN Career and Education Framework for Cancer Nursing and, in 2022, Vanessa chaired the Steering Group for the Health Education England Centre for Advancing Practice Palliative and End of Life Care credential.

She is a Steering Group member of the national ACCEND programme and has led the development of the ‘Career pathway, core cancer capabilities in practice and education framework for the nursing and allied health professional workforce’.

Vanessa is also working with NHS England establishing a career pathway and education framework for palliative and end of life care.

V.A.Taylor@hud.ac.uk