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- Tasks: Support exciting events like Race for Life and the London Marathon while managing teams of volunteers.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Earn £13.80 per hour plus perks like travel and accommodation for events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against cancer while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for events, strong interpersonal skills, and adaptability are key.
- Other info: Flexible shifts mostly on weekends, perfect for students balancing work and studies.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
Overview
Hundreds of inspiring events. Thousands of participants. One clear purpose.
Salary: £13.80 per hour + benefits.
Reports to: Events Manager
Department: Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract: 10 casual contracts from 1 May to October 2026.
Hours: Shift times will vary depending on the size and type of event you are covering. Events take place between May and October and our events assistants work 6-8 events across that period with shifts between 7-12 hours.
Location: London and South East
Closing date: 28th January 2026 23:55
Interview date: Interviews will be held in person week commencing 23rd February 2026 (invites sent 16th February).
Training date: Compulsory paid training taking place on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th April 2025, in Yarnfield, Staffordshire with travel, accommodation and food included.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are looking for passionate events assistants to work in Cancer Research UK’s Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement team. You will be acting as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK, supporting the delivery of our events season including well-known events such as Race for Life, Pretty Muddy, Big Hike and Shine Night Walk. There will also be opportunities to work at third-party sports events such as the London Marathon, Manchester Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon, and many others.
In a lively, vibrant working environment, you will discover something new every day, whether it’s a new course, a new community or a talent you never knew you had. You will also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are.
What will I be doing?
- Supporting the event manager in the delivery of large-scale and logistically complex events.
- Managing a large and diverse team of volunteers.
- Taking responsibility in a key role at events as Course, Obstacle or Merchandise Manager or covering Start/Finish and Site management.
- Manage operational responsibilities including setting up and dismantling equipment ensuring health and safety guidelines are prioritised.
- Providing support and encouragement to Cancer Research UK participants at cheer points or post-event support at regional third-party sports events.
What skills are you looking for?
- A passion for events.
- Adaptability to changing situations with the ability to work on your own initiative.
- The ability to solve problems and respond to opportunities and challenges.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with a range of people.
- Confidence to represent Cancer Research UK publicly.
- Good organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Resilience and reliability to remain calm under pressure and consistently deliver high-quality results.
It’s a physical role. You will spend all of Event Day on your feet, which can be between 7 and 12 hours, inclusive of breaks. At all events you will be required to unload a van of equipment, put up marquees and move boxes of event equipment around the event site.
What else do I need to know?
- This role mostly takes place on weekends making it easy to fit around some jobs and/or studies.
- We work in all weather conditions, and our shifts cover some night-time events.
- We work across 5 geographical divisions in the North and South. When submitting an application you will need to apply to the division where you live (if you are away studying, have a think about where you will be based during May-October). You will need to live within the divisional boundaries and you will need to travel across that division to cover the events in your area. Most events will include an overnight stay away from home. All travel and accommodation will be booked and paid for you.
- While driving and having access to a car is not a necessity for the role, it does help and in some circumstances, you may be asked to use your car to help set up the route for some events.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We are looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
What will I gain?
Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive. In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well. Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more. We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture. Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safeguarding risks.
Event Assistants (London and South East) employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Assistants (London and South East)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the events we run! Familiarise yourself with our key events like Race for Life and Pretty Muddy. This way, when you chat with us during interviews, you can show your passion and understanding of what we do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past event assistants on social media. They can give you insider tips and maybe even help you get your foot in the door. Plus, it shows us you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think about examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork. We love hearing real stories that highlight your strengths.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and the amazing work we do together.
We think you need these skills to ace Event Assistants (London and South East)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for events and your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Event Assistant. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, like your ability to work under pressure or your knack for problem-solving.
Follow the Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process, so make sure you complete the work history section accurately and thoroughly to help us assess your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨Know Your Events
Familiarise yourself with the events Cancer Research UK hosts, like Race for Life and the London Marathon. Understanding the purpose and logistics of these events will show your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you've handled changing situations in the past. Since this role requires flexibility and the ability to work on your own initiative, sharing specific examples will demonstrate your suitability.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
As an events assistant, you'll be interacting with a diverse range of people. Prepare to share experiences where you've built rapport or worked collaboratively, showcasing your excellent interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
This role can be physically demanding and may involve long hours. Be prepared to talk about how you stay calm under pressure and maintain high-quality results, especially during busy event days.
