Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Assistant

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in Manchester is seeking a Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Assistant. The role involves delivering tailored support to those affected by cancer, requiring excellent communication and organisational skills. Successful candidates should have a relevant diploma and experience in a healthcare setting. Responsibilities include providing information, managing data, and supporting service users effectively. The position emphasizes emotional resilience and teamwork in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant diploma or equivalent experience is required.
• Candidate should have a communication skills certificate or experience in handling challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, bespoke information and support to people affected by cancer.
• Carry out administration duties including managing spreadsheets and data collection.
• Record interactions with service users on computer hospital record systems.
• Deputise for the manager during their absence.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Great organisational and administrative skills

Intermediate IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Forms

Ability to remain calm in stressful/emotional situations

High level of mental and emotional resilience

Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

Understanding of the services provided by Macmillan Cancer Support

Experience using Canva graphic design software or willingness to learn

Education

Relevant diploma or equivalent level of experience

Communication skills certificate or experience in handling emotionally challenging situations

Job description

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Assistant

The closing date is 13 January 2026

We are looking for a dedicated and emotionally resilient person to help deliver bespoke, person‑centered information and support to people affected by cancer. The post holder will be based in the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre at North Manchester General Hospital.

The successful candidate must be committed to improving the lives of people affected by cancer in a way that is tailored to their needs. This will be delivered through outstanding communication skills, detailed care plans, signposting, referrals and creative forms of media and events.

Primary duties include:

• Meet with people affected by cancer, listening to their needs and providing high quality, bespoke information and support.
• Signpost and refer to a range of services and complete detailed care plans on behalf of patients in a range of formats.
• Carry out a range of administration duties that contribute to the running of an outstanding service including managing spreadsheets, data collection forms, creating posters and flyers, ordering cancer information resources.
• Record all relevant interactions with service users on computer hospital record systems.
• Deputise for the manager if they have to attend meetings or are on leave. This will involve periods of lone working.
• Attend any training relevant to role and be proactive when identifying areas for own development; communicating them with the manager.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• Relevant diploma or equivalent level of experience.
• Willingness to undertake enhanced communication skills training.
• Communication skills certificate or experience in handling emotionally challenging situations.

Experience

• Experience working with the general public.
• Experience of delivering information and/or support to people.
• Experience in working in a health/social care setting.
• Experience working in a cancer related environment.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience of participation in service development and implementation of change.

Skills / Ability / Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Great organisational and administrative skills.
• Knowledge of professional and NHS issues.
• Intermediate IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Forms.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful/emotional situations.
• High level of mental and emotional resilience.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexibly to deliver the requirements of the service.
• Understanding of the services provided by Macmillan Cancer Support.
• Knowledge of quality assurance issues around patient information.
• Experience using Canva graphic design software or an ability and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of the national and regional cancer agenda.
• Ability to present information to groups.
• Understanding of audit processes.

Other

• Willingness/ability to travel to locations across Greater Manchester to support the promotion and delivery of the service, attend relevant training etc. when necessary.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Diversity and Equality

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve.