WECAN provides a forum to discuss how and when to collaborate, to share workload and involve one another. WECAN is not a legal entity but an informal network. As an informal network, WECAN retains its independence. The network is governed by a formal governance document which mandates principles around membership and operations.

This guidance is in place to support members and the community in aligning with WECAN’s mission to act as a well-coordinated cancer patient community by building trust, collaboration, alignment and mutual support.

The network, its initiatives, and members are supported by an appointed Chair and Coordination Team. The WECAN Chair is a rotating position held for one year. Each year WECAN members appoint the Chair to represent WECAN externally, ensure that WECAN principles, such as the principle of subsidiarity, are respected, and align the WECAN strategy.

Because WECAN is an informal network and not a legal entity, we cannot directly receive any funding. Funding for WECAN projects, initiatives, workgroups, or programmes is coordinated by individual organisations associated with WECAN. After approval of a new project by the network, fundraising, contracts with funders and external contractors, project administration, project reporting and delivery of any WECAN project, initiative or work programme can be provided by a WECAN member organisation or another administrative host mandated by WECAN.

The WECAN Coordination Team consists of the Chair, Past Chair, WECAN Coordinators and other interested WECAN members. The purpose of the WECAN Coordination team is to provide necessary coordination and administrative functions in order to promote the smooth operation of WECAN in line with the mission and goals.