Employers Toolkit - Supporting employees through a cancer diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most challenging experiences an employee — or someone they care for — will ever face. For employers and managers, knowing how to respond with compassion while maintaining clarity at work can feel daunting.

The Courage and Care Employer Toolkit is designed to help organisations support employees with confidence, empathy, and consistency. It provides practical guidance, conversation frameworks, and reassurance — grounded in lived experience and professional coaching expertise.

You don’t need to have all the answers. This toolkit helps you show up with courage and care.

Who This Toolkit Is For

·Employers and business leaders

·HR and People teams

·Line managers and team leaders

·Anyone supporting an employee affected by cancer

What This Toolkit Covers

·How to approach sensitive conversations

·How to support employees during diagnosis and treatment

·How to support carers

·How to plan a compassionate return to work

·How to balance care, clarity, and performance

Core Principles

We believe effective workplace support is built on: - Empathy – listening without judgement - Clarity – being honest and transparent - Flexibility – recognising needs change over time - Consistency – support that lasts beyond the first conversation - Respect – for privacy, choice, and dignity