At a Glance
- Tasks: Support exciting events like Race for Life and the London Marathon while managing diverse teams.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a passionate team dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Earn £13.80 per hour, enjoy flexible leave, and access discounts on travel and tech.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for events, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal skills are key.
- Other info: Work weekends, embrace challenges, and enjoy a vibrant, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
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: 12 x Casual contracts. 1 May to October 2026
Hours: Shift times vary; work 6‑8 events with shifts 7‑12 hours over May‑October
Location: East Midlands, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Central & East England (Birmingham, Stoke, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich, Peterborough)
Closing date: 28th January
Interview date: Week commencing 23rd February 2026 (invites sent 16th February)
Training date: Paid training on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th April 2026, Yarnfield, Staffordshire (travel, accommodation, food included)
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are looking for passionate events assistants to work in our Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement team. You will act as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK, supporting delivery of events such as Race for Life, Pretty Muddy, Big Hike and Shine Night Walk, and third‑party sports events like the London Marathon and Manchester Marathon.
A lively, vibrant working environment offers new challenges daily—whether a new course, community, or personal talent. You will be surrounded by people dedicated to beating cancer.
What will I be doing?
- Support the event manager with delivery of large‑scale and logistically complex events.
- Manage a large and diverse team of volunteers.
- Act in key roles such as Course, Obstacle or Merchandise Manager, or cover Start/Finish and Site management.
- Handle operational responsibilities: set up and dismantle equipment, prioritise health and safety guidelines.
- Provide 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, working on your own initiative.
- Problem‑solving and responsiveness to opportunities and challenges.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to build rapport with diverse people.
- Confidence to represent Cancer Research UK publicly.
- Good organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Resilience and reliability to remain calm under pressure and deliver high‑quality results.
- A physical role: all event days on your feet (7‑12 hours), handling equipment and moving boxes on site.
What else do I need to know?
- The role mostly takes place on weekends, making it easy to fit around other commitments.
- Work in all weather conditions; shifts may include night events.
- Coverage across five geographical divisions. Applicants must apply to the division where they live and travel within the division for events. Overnight stays may be required; travel and accommodation are provided.
- Car access is not required but may help for route set‑up in some events.
Our organisation values 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 seek people who embody these values to drive progress against our mission to beat cancer.
What will I gain?
Every employee contributes to our progress and supports our work to beat cancer—an impressive impact. In return, we offer a generous benefits package, career and personal development opportunities, and high‑quality tools, policies and processes to enable excellent performance. Benefits include a substantial retirement plan, flexible leave allowance, discounts (travel, tech, gym membership, and more), and a flexible working culture.
Our work—from funding cutting‑edge research to shaping 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 committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required but remain confidential until interview invitation. Please complete the work history section of the online application form for rapid, fair and objective assessment.
For more information on this opportunity, visit our website or contact us at ________.
Follow us for updates on our work and careers: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.
Event Assistants (Central & East England) in London employer: Cancer Research UK
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Assistants (Central & East England) in London
✨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, 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. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. It’s a great way to get insider info and make connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think of examples from your past where you've shown adaptability, problem-solving, or teamwork. We love hearing about how you’ve tackled challenges in lively environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, it shows you’re keen and ready to jump into the action. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Event Assistants (Central & East England) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for events shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission of beating cancer.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this position, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and gets straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and helps streamline the process. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know the Events Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the events you'll be assisting with, like Race for Life and the London Marathon. Understanding the purpose and logistics of these events will show your passion and commitment to Cancer Research UK's mission.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since you'll be working with a diverse team and engaging with participants, highlight your ability to build rapport. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated or collaborated in past roles to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The role requires you to handle changing situations and work on your own initiative. Think of times when you've had to adapt quickly to new challenges and be ready to share those experiences during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled unexpected issues in previous roles. This could involve managing logistics or supporting volunteers. Showing that you can remain calm under pressure will resonate well with the interviewers.