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Background Workforce shortages, the lack of a career pathway within hospice care, the ability to respond to emerging models of community-based support and increasing demand for high-quality end-of-life care necessitate innovative solutions to ensure that patients receive the best possible support.Aim Through the formation of an innovative education collaborative across five hospices in Lancashire and South Cumbria, leading to the establishment of an academy in partnership with the University of Lancashire.Methods A co-design day was held with representatives from all hospices across Lancashire and South Cumbria, as well as the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Professions, and Business. Through a collaborative approach, we successfully agreed a vision, outlined a three-year plan, and identified key deliverables. Operational and strategic oversight groups were established to ensure accountability and shared ownership.Results This innovative partnership resulted in the successful establishment of the Hospice and Palliative Care Academy. The academy has provided leadership training to over 30 students across the Northwest and hosted an apprenticeship webinar for hospices in the region, leading to several hospices to adopt this pathway for staff development and create clear career trajectories. Hospice staff are guest lecturers at the Academy, further developing the reach of the hospice movement. The academy has launched a series of podcasts featuring frontline hospice staff, researchers, and academics, promoting research-based practice. Other academic institutions have become engaged with the academy including Nelson and Colne College, with whom we have developed and delivered a T level in Palliative Care and the University of Cumbria.Conclusion The establishment of the academy represents a significant advancement in palliative care education in the region, possibly nationally. Leveraging the expertise of hospices and the academic resources of higher education providers, the initiative has created a sustainable model for training the current and future workforce.