Our shops raise millions of pounds every year to fund life-saving research, and by giving your time, you’ll be joining a movement of people passionate about beating cancer.
You’ll be welcomed into a friendly, supportive team, where you’ll gain valuable skills, build confidence, and make new friends – all while making a real difference for people affected by cancer.
What you’ll be doing
Volunteering in our shops is exciting and rewarding. From styling windows with pre-loved fashion to talking with customers and making them feel welcome, volunteers are at the heart of our shop teams and every shift makes a difference.
Here are some of the tasks you could help with:
- Greeting customers and offering a friendly, helpful service.
- Identifying quality items that could sell for a good price, helping to raise more money for the shop.
- Creating eye-catching window displays and keeping the shop looking its best.
- Helping at the till by taking payments and asking customers if they’d like to donate through Gift Aid or round up their total to support the shop's fundraising.
- Taking part in team activities to fundraise for campaigns like Stand Up To Cancer.
The kind of person we’re looking for
You don’t need any experience to volunteer, you just need to be motivated, enthusiastic and enjoy being part of a team.
We’re on the lookout for individuals who are:
Flexible and happy to get stuck into a variety of tasks.
Enthusiastic about helping to raise vital funds through the shop’s activities.
Team players who enjoy being part of a supportive, inclusive environment.
But mainly those who can bring their energy and passion to help us beat cancer together!
Please note:
The minimum age for volunteering in our shops is 18.
If you are aged between 16 and 17 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops, but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example short term work experience organised by your school.
You must be living in the UK to volunteer in one of our shops.
We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Next Steps and what to expect
Where and when
We have shops and superstores across the UK, ranging from traditional high street stores to larger retail park locations. Each offers a different experience, so there’s something for everyone. Just enter your preferred location when searching to find opportunities near you.
Volunteering with us is easy and flexible, so whether you can give a few hours a week or a few days, your manager will help organise shifts that work best for you.
How we’ll look after you
We want you to get the most out of your volunteering experience and our friendly team will be there to support you all the way.
Once you've submitted your application, we'll review it to make sure we have everything we need. A shop manager will then be in touch to invite you to a taster session where you can meet the team, learn more about the role and decide if it feels right for you.
If you decide you'd like to join the team, we'll provide a full induction and offer ongoing training opportunities to make sure you're fully confident in your role.
We can also reimburse reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed in advance with your manager.
Why volunteer for Cancer Research UK
What you’ll gain
As well as making a huge impact on our mission to beat cancer, volunteering with us can also have a range of benefits for you too, from boosting your wellbeing to helping you discover new skills and interests.
By joining us as a volunteer, you'll have the chance to:
Develop skills that are valuable in the workplace.
Build confidence and make new friends.
Give back to your local community.
Have fun volunteering alongside like-minded people who are supporting the same cause.
Why we need you
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to help fund research that saves lives.
By volunteering, you’re helping to bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
How to apply
Just click on the ‘Apply for this role’ link at the top of the page, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.
At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop volunteer – Ealing Broadway in London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Cancer Research UK, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Cancer Research UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Cancer Research UK and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
