Two volunteers at a Cancer Research UK event talking to each other.

New volunteer information

Find everything you need to start volunteering with Cancer Research UK and discover the difference you'll make.

Welcome to volunteering with Cancer Research UK

Thank you for choosing to join our volunteering community!

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. Over the past 50 years, our work has helped double cancer survival in the UK and our pioneering work is continuing to save lives, here and around the world. This progress is only possible thanks to our incredible volunteers like you.

To help you get started, explore this page and read our welcome booklet to learn more about volunteering with Cancer Research UK.

Read the welcome booklet

Your impact on our work

Volunteers are the backbone of our charity and represent us in communities right across the UK

Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. By joining our community of volunteers, you’re helping us turn today’s science into tomorrow’s treatments.

Whether you’re cheering on participants at Race for Life, pricing vintage handbags at your local Cancer Research UK shop or campaigning for change – together, our volunteers are driving progress for people affected by cancer. Every bit of time you give is significant and over time, small steps add up to help us make giant strides.

Discover our latest progress

Our shared commitment

Supporting you all the way

We’re really grateful for the support of our brilliant volunteers and want to make sure you have a happy and rewarding experience with us.

What you can expect from us:

  • support and guidance

  • safe volunteering environments

  • inclusive and respectful culture

What we ask from you:

  • follow our policies

  • act respectfully

  • raise concerns when needed

We will give you all the information and resources you need to make the most of your time with us and be safe in your role.

Learn more about how we keep volunteering safe, respectful and inclusive in the Welcome to Volunteering booklet.

Frequently asked questions

Visit our Volunteering FAQs page for answers to more commonly asked questions.

Contact us

If you have any questions about volunteering, please speak to your staff contact or contact our Supporter Services team, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Volunteering resources

Get volunteering guidance, wellbeing and development information.

Back to the Volunteer Hub

The latest volunteering news, resources and volunteer roles.