The pilot training programme for laparoscopic colorectal cancer is currently being set up. Following a tender exercise, carried out by the national cancer action team, nine training centres have been selected and were appointed in January 2008. The pilot is due to run for a period of 18 months with an evaluation being carried out towards the end of the project. The evaluation will make recommendations for the future and among the success criteria will be patient outcomes and satisfaction, the competency of surgical training, assessment, accreditation and value for money.