Charity event assistant

Event assistants act 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 and Shine Night Walk. They take on highly responsible roles and gain experience in areas such as course, obstacles and volunteer management.

There are also opportunities to work at third-party sports events such as the London Marathon, Manchester Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon, and many others. Support for these events can include delivering post-race support and stewardship or leading a group of volunteers at a cheer point.

Event assistants are an integral part of a dedicated events team of experts in their field. They have great fun, develop, and deliver inspiring events which bring together communities, survivors and those who have been touched by cancer. 

Hear from our event assistants

I'm proud of being part of the team which has helped raise awareness of Cancer Research UK and also raise vital funds to continue their work. The variety of roles at the event will develop your skills and knowledge of not just events but team work, communication, adaptability and flexibility; you will also have great fun while supporting the fundraising of Cancer Research UK.

- Sue Curtis

Being part of Cancer Research UK has helped me blossom in confidence to tackle difficult conversations and be part of offering much needed support to colleagues in times of need. The role in the team is like no other, it's thrilling chaos at the beginning with everyone working together to build the event with a fabulous ending celebrating the amazing participants completing their race.

- Jess Mason

When is event season?

Our events season takes place between May and October each year. 

Generally our event assistants work approximately 5 to 8 weekends across this period. The events are allocated around your availability, which we ask you to confirm before you start with us. Whilst most of our events are on weekends, we work some Fridays for event set up, and the occasional weekday event. 

Applications open in January for a May start.

Who can apply? 

We’re looking for applicants with a passion for events and a readiness to take responsibility for aspects of delivering large-scale and logistically complex events.

The role mostly takes place on weekends and our shifts cover some night-time events making it easy to fit around some jobs and/or studies. 

Whilst we don’t expect you to be able to run a marathon, there is some physical activity required in this role which requires a reasonable level of fitness and we work outside in all weather conditions.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks. 

Our teams cover 5 geographical regions across the UK. You’ll need to live within the divisional boundaries so please ensure you apply to the correct division depending on where you live.

How much can I earn?

Our event assistants work on a casual contract and are paid £10.42 per hour.

What happens at the end of the event season?

When you take on a casual role within the event delivery team, you become a valued member of the national team. Once you have joined us, there is no need to apply year on year. At the end of the event season, you'll have the chance to discuss with your manager if you can return for the following year. We have also had many event assistants go on to become permanent members of staff with us. We recognise talent within these roles and offer support and development both within the event assistant role and your onward career. Many of our event managers have been promoted directly from an event assistant role.