Taking on workplace cancer: how Amey and Cancer Research UK drive awareness and change

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Taking on workplace cancer: how Amey and Cancer Research UK drive awareness and change

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Amey works closely with Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Awareness in the Workplace programme to embed cancer prevention and early diagnosis into our safety culture across frontline operations. In collaboration with Cancer Research UK nurses and health experts, we delivered tailored cancer awareness stands, talks, webinars and one‑to‑one conversations aligned to operational schedules, engaging more than 7,000 colleagues since 2020. The programme has strengthened understanding, inspired healthier behaviours and created a ripple effect beyond the workplace - supporting a safer, healthier workforce while also raising over £500,000 for life‑saving research.

At a glance

Amey has partnered with Cancer Research UK as our employee‑chosen charity since 2020, integrating cancer awareness into our safety culture
More than 7,000 employees have taken part in activities across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England
Cancer Research UK has delivered 59 nurse‑led stands and 49 talks and webinars, supported by two health surveys that shaped focus areas
Employees reported a better understanding of ways to improve their health
The programme has inspired real behaviour change, such as employees quitting smoking, adopting healthier diets and sharing what they’ve learned with their families

The challenge?

Nearly one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime, with around 133,000 people of working age diagnosed with cancer annually in the UK. In 2025 alone, around 50 Amey employees reported absences linked to cancer, and tragically, five colleagues passed away.

Amey operates across highways, rail, facilities management and energy transition, often in outdoor environments that increase exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a known risk factor for skin cancer. Some roles also involve handling substances that require careful monitoring.

While Amey actively invests in preventive measures, including high‑quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and sunscreen for outdoor workers, we also recognise the importance of raising awareness - normalising conversations about cancer and empowering colleagues to make informed decisions for their health. The challenge was to do this at scale, within tight operational schedules, across a distributed frontline workforce, and in a way that was accessible, evidence‑based and compassionate. We set out to co‑design an approach that would embed cancer awareness into existing safety structures, use data to prioritise areas of greatest need and deliver measurable outcomes in knowledge, and behaviour change, not just attendance.

Our approach to taking on cancer

As part of our partnership with Cancer Research UK, we took up the opportunity to collaborate with their Cancer Awareness in the Workplace team to deliver a programme that fits the realities of operational work. Together, we began with a baseline health survey to assess our employees’ awareness of cancer and associated risk factors, their current health behaviours and perceptions about cancer. Using these insights, we prioritised areas such as sun safety, cancer screening programmes and early diagnosis, and we delivered initiatives that worked at depots and project sites.

Delivery combined nurse-led stands, talks, webinars and one-to-one, employee led conversations, integrated into existing rhythms such as Safety-Stand Down and Wellbeing Days. Cancer Research UK’s nurses and health experts brought a person-centered, non-judgmental approach that built trust, enabling private, practical conversations with clear, evidence based information. To boost local adoption, we mobilised charity champions and wellbeing ambassadors who created site level momentum and follow through. We complemented live activity with on demand resources including health communications, and webinars, as well as a podcast with New Civil Engineer and video interviews featuring Amey colleagues sharing personal journeys, using storytelling to break down barriers and make messages relatable.

Operational constraints were addressed through bite sized sessions, early scheduling and close co-ordination with account teams. The approach was innovative because it embedded cancer awareness directly into Amey’s safety infrastructure, combined credibility with frontline practicality and scaled through data driven iteration and local champions, rather than one off campaigns.

The outcome?

The collaboration reached more than 7,000 Amey employees across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, supported by 59 nurse‑led stands and 49 talks and webinars delivered since 2020. Employees have reported a stronger understanding of ways to improve their health, and many described tangible behaviour changes. One colleague quit smoking after attending a workshop and has remained smoke‑free; others intended to improve their diet, increased their physical activity and shared what they learned with family members, creating a ripple effect beyond the workplace. Feedback consistently highlighted the value of nurse‑led, compassionate and evidence‑based delivery, with one participant noting that the nurse “was amazing and put my mind at ease.”

By embedding health within safety, aligning activity with operational schedules and tailoring information and support based on individual need, particularly sun safety and cancer screening, we normalised cancer conversations, and strengthened our health and safety culture. The partnership has also raised over £500,000 for life‑saving research, deepening employee purpose and engagement. Collectively, these outcomes encourage help-seeking at an earlier opportunity, improve knowledge of how to reduce the risk of cancer and sustained, scalable health promotion across our operations, benefiting our people, their families and the communities we serve.

Testimonial

Zena Roberston, Cancer Awareness Nurse Manager, Cancer Research UK

“I have worked in partnership with Amey now for nearly five years and I have been truly inspired by the engagement and commitment of Amey Senior Leadership and the wellbeing ambassadors in supporting and promoting Cancer Research UK - not just at Safety Stand Down days but also in the mainstream business of the company wellbeing activities. Many employees have shared their stories with me both publicly on stage in one of my talks or in a video for raising staff awareness, and also privately when engaging with one of our activities. This really is a true partnership, working together to both raise funds for life-saving cancer research and raise awareness of cancer so together we can beat cancer.”

Claire Robinson, People Director, Amey

"What makes this partnership so special is that it was chosen by our people. At Amey, we listen, and their choice has led to something truly impactful! The Cancer Awareness in the Workplace programme isn’t just about providing information; it’s about empowering our teams to take control of their health, have open conversations and make positive changes. We put wellbeing at the heart of what we do, and this partnership is a great example of that. It’s about real conversations, real impact and making sure our people feel supported to take care of themselves and each other."

Operations Manager, Amey

“Last year when I attended one of Cancer Research UK’s workshops, I was moved by the information provided on the day and after hearing all the facts and figures, I pledged to give up smoking. I’m not going to say it’s been easy, but I’m still smoke-free! And after attending another workshop, I know it was worth it to give up smoking. It’s also encouraged me to get fitter, so I’ve joined the gym and I’m watching what I eat. Thank you Cancer Research UK for going around the UK country and raising cancer awareness at workplaces and supporting employees to make positive changes”.