Event Assistants

CANCER RESEARCH UK; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading health charity is looking for passionate Events Assistants to support various events across Central & East England. Responsibilities include managing volunteers, assisting with operational tasks, and representing the charity at community events. The positions are casual, paying £13.80 per hour, and require flexibility in working hours predominantly on weekends. A generous benefits package and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working culture

Generous benefits package

Discounts (travel, tech, gym membership)

Qualifications

• Ability to manage a diverse team of volunteers.
• Experience in supporting event managers.
• Physical ability to handle equipment and manage operational tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support event manager with large-scale events.
• Manage diverse team of volunteers.
• Handle health and safety responsibilities during events.

Skills

Passion for events

Adaptability to changing situations

Problem-solving skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Confidence to represent publicly

Good organisation skills

Resilience under pressure

Job description

Hundreds of inspiring events. Thousands of participants. One clear purpose.

Events assistants (Central & East England)

• 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 2026 23:55
• 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're looking for passionate events assistants to work in our Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement team. You'll 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’ll be surrounded by people dedicated to beating cancer.

You can learn more about our open event opportunities. Click here.

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 ________.

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