Turning strategy into action: looking ahead to the Annual Radiotherapy Conference
Back for another year, ARC 2026 promises more insights than ever in a new format
By Marese O'Hagan
By Marese O'Hagan
By Marese O'Hagan
By Marese O'Hagan
“For me, ARC has always felt like a real celebration of the radiotherapy community.” That’s how Spencer Goodman, the Society and College of Radiographers’ professional officer for radiotherapy, views the Annual Radiotherapy Conference (ARC). The event attracts Therapeutic Radiographers from across the UK to hear insights from top professionals in the field.
Designed around a packed one-day programme, ARC offers a range of practical sessions all centred around turning national strategy into action, using patient experience to improve outcomes, delivering on sustainability goals and creating a culture of innovation and improvement.
ARC 2026 will take place at Birmingham’s Conference and Events Centre on 18 September. Previously a two-day conference, ARC is now a one-day event showcasing the most innovative trends and research in Therapeutic Radiography in the form of lectures, panel discussions and keynote speeches.
With just two months to go until ARC 2026, Synergy goes behind the scenes to revisit the last edition, preview the upcoming conference and speak to members of the Therapeutic Radiographer community to hear about the importance of the event.
View the full programme for ARC 2026 here. You can register for the event now by clicking here.
Staking its claim in the radiography calendar
The last ARC took place in October 2024 at the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel in Brighton. In 2024, much of the conference schedule focused on the topics of person-centred care and wellbeing. Though these will also be prevalent topics at ARC 2026, this event has one central theme: pathways with purpose.
One of the many intriguing sessions at ARC 2024
One of the many intriguing sessions at ARC 2024
Having come up with it alongside colleagues, Spencer – who is also chair of ARC – says it’s a “strong and meaningful” way to describe the conference’s central message. “Purposeful pathways are not only about efficiency or service design,” he explains. “They are about creating experiences that are safer, more personalised, more equitable and more sustainable for patients and staff alike.”
Looking beyond the conference schedule and into the wider industry, Spencer adds that the theme speaks to the broader profession as well. “Therapeutic Radiographers and wider radiotherapy teams continue to shape and evolve services with enormous dedication, compassion and innovation, often in very challenging environments,” he says.
“ARC provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that work while also looking to the future.”
Maximised learning opportunities
With so much essential radiotherapy information packed into previous years’ multi-day schedules, it’s only fair to wonder whether ARC 2026’s one-day programme will deliver a similar experience. A quick look at this year’s schedule will assuage any worries. Sessions have been designed to follow the full radiotherapy care pathway, stretching from first contact and planning, through treatment delivery, to living with – and beyond – cancer.
Keynote speakers include Angela Baker and Mark Gilham, lead authors of the Recommendations for a Therapeutic Radiographer Workforce document. Delivering the first session of the day, they will take attendees through how services can make use of workforce guidance and turn it into purposeful action.
Two panel discussions will inject even more variety into the ARC format. One will focus on smarter systems and assistive technologies, while the other will focus on the topic of radiotherapy for the future.
Engaging and relevant topics
As the day wraps up, Professor Beverley Harden, deputy chief allied health professions officer for England, will deliver the conference’s final plenary and call to action. She is set to draw on the day’s key themes and look at what lies ahead for the profession.
Spencer will open and close the conference. He is most looking forward to learning from teams delivering impactful change and hearing discussions on workforce and sustainability. “I am really looking forward to seeing the breadth of work being presented across the programme and hearing directly from teams who are leading change within radiotherapy services,” he says. “ARC always provides a fantastic opportunity to share learning, celebrate innovation and have honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession.
“I think one of the major highlights this year will be the focus on workforce, service transformation and sustainable pathways for the future. Sessions exploring workforce recommendations, personalised care, quality improvement and pathway redesign feel particularly timely given the pace of change across healthcare.”
Meet the exhibitors
As well as a busy schedule jammed with cutting-edge insights, ARC also features a conference exhibition, where leading radiotherapy companies and charities have the opportunity to interact directly with attendees. The companies exhibiting at this year’s event include:
Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s leading breast cancer charity, will be exhibiting at ARC for the first time this year. Sally Kum, the charity’s associate director of nursing and health information, says ARC offers the organisation the opportunity to speak to professionals in Therapeutic Radiography and increase the it’s presence across clinical settings. “One of the central goals of Breast Cancer Now’s new strategy is ensuring that everyone gets the best care and support, and as part of that we’re committed to increasing our presence and voice in every hospital and healthcare setting in the UK,” says Sally.
As for what she thinks will be a standout moment at this year’s conference, Sally is hoping that “speaking to radiographers and other oncology professionals working across the patient pathway to better understand their challenges, successes and ideas” will be a highlight.
“We hope attendees learn more about what Breast Cancer Now can offer their patients and themselves,” she says.
‘Worth celebrating’
The radiography profession regularly comes out in force for in-person events, with the likes of the Annual Delegates’ Conference and the UK Imaging and Oncology Congress being popular choices. The opportunities available for learning, development and networking are simply too valuable to ignore.
For those still deciding whether to sign up for this year’s ARC, Spencer is resolute on how radiotherapy professionals benefit from attending a conference so tailored to their needs – and the needs of their patients. “ARC 2026 is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day pressures of service delivery and reconnect with the wider radiotherapy community,” he concludes. “It is a chance to learn from one another, celebrate the incredible work happening across services and spend time reflecting on where the profession is heading next.
“Whether you are looking for practical ideas to take back to your department, strategic insight into the future workforce and service landscape, or simply the opportunity to connect with colleagues who understand the challenges and rewards of the profession, ARC offers something incredibly valuable.
“Most importantly, it reminds us that, while the work we do is challenging, it is also innovative, impactful and worth celebrating.”
Why attend ARC 2026
Melanie Clarkson
Therapeutic Radiographer
“The Annual Radiotherapy Conference is a great place to network and expand my knowledge on current aspects of radiotherapy. There is nothing like being with your peers to uplift your passion for the profession.”
Jodie Thompson
Specialist practice Therapeutic Radiographer
“It was wonderful to attend the Annual Radiotherapy Conference in 2024 – and a privilege to present there. One of the highlights was the opportunity to connect and reconnect with Therapeutic Radiographers from across the UK, sharing experiences, ideas and learning. ARC’s unique blend of innovation, collaboration and professional expertise inspires professional development, encourages best practice and promotes excellence in patient care.”
James Barber
Radiotherapy pre-treatment superintendent Therapeutic Radiographer
“The Annual Radiotherapy Conference is a fantastic opportunity for Therapeutic Radiographers from across the UK to come together, reconnect with colleagues and share ideas, innovations and experiences, helping us all to improve the care we deliver to patients. It’s a friendly and supportive environment, which is the ideal first conference for anyone, whether they are looking at attending or submitting their first abstract as a poster or a presentation.
“I am particularly looking forward to hearing Dr Sarah Hallford speak about her lived experience of radiotherapy. Her perspective as both a healthcare professional and a patient and carer has the potential to provide powerful insights into patient safety and the impact of the care we deliver every day.”
More about the Annual Radiotherapy Conference
The Annual Radiotherapy Conference attracts therapeutic radiography professionals from across the UK to share the latest insights and research into radiotherapy.
Unlike previous iterations, ARC 2026 will take place in a new, refreshed format packed into one day of conference programming for a maximised learning experience.
Book your spot at ARC 2026 now; visit the events page here.
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