Volunteering frequently asked questions (FAQs) Volunteering frequently asked questions (FAQs)
General volunteering questions
How can I volunteer for Cancer Research UK?
There are many volunteering opportunities to choose from so we should have something to suit everyone. Our main opportunities include: volunteering in our shops, at our events, fundraising in your community or with your corporate group, campaigning for change or sharing your cancer story.
You can search by activity or your postcode and apply for volunteer activities near you by clicking here. For shop volunteering, you can also enquire in our shops.
Do all roles have the same eligibility criteria?
Some of our roles may have different eligibility criteria; for example, they may not be suitable for under 18s or you may require references in order to volunteer. You’ll find the eligibility criteria, included minimum age for each role within each volunteering opportunity advert on our website.
How are volunteers supported and recognised?
We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us, feeling supported and recognised. Your volunteer manager will be able to tell you more about how we can support you in your role.
The Welcome to Volunteering booklet has been designed for volunteers as an overview of everything you need to know about your time with us. It includes volunteer stories, our commitment to you, and outlines why volunteers like you are vital to Cancer Research UK.
Can I use volunteering at Cancer Research UK as a reference for job applications?
Depending on the type of volunteering and amount of time you volunteer with Cancer Research UK, we may be able to provide you with a factual reference. For more information, please contact volunteering@cancer.org.uk
I want to volunteer with a group of my colleagues, how can we get involved?
We have a range of corporate volunteering opportunities available! Find out more here.
Can I volunteer while claiming benefits?
Yes, you can volunteer whilst receiving benefits as long as you continue to meet all the conditions of your benefit. We advise that you discuss this with the office that pays your benefits before applying. More information can be found on this Government webpage https://www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-and-claiming-benefits
Does Cancer Research UK pay expenses?
We don’t want you to be out of pocket when you volunteer with us, so we reimburse reasonable expenses connected to your volunteering. Please discuss this with your staff contact in advance. If you’re unsure who to speak to, email our Volunteering team at volunteering@cancer.org.uk or call our Supporter Services team on 0300 123 1022.
Can Cancer Research UK support my visa application for the UK?
No, unfortunately Cancer Research UK is not able to sponsor Charity Worker visas for the volunteer activities we offer. This is because the activities offered do not meet the criteria for visa sponsorship.
I already have a visa, can I volunteer with Cancer Research UK?
Yes, you can volunteer with us if your visa permits you to work or volunteer in the UK. Please check your visa permissions and whether there are any restrictions on the number of hours you can volunteer. If you have any doubts or questions you can find out more on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
I'm a refugee, can I volunteer with Cancer Research UK?
Yes, if you have refugee status or have exceptional leave to remain you can volunteer with us.
I’m an asylum seeker, can I volunteer with Cancer Research UK?
Yes, if you are an asylum seeker you can volunteer with us. If your final appeal is refused and you are denied leave to remain then you will have to stop volunteering with us.
Can I volunteer with a criminal record?
If you have an unspent conviction, we’ll need to consider whether you can volunteer with us when reviewing your application. We ask our volunteers to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions, the offence(s), date of conviction(s) and the length of sentence(s). We do not ask for disclosure of spent convictions. If you’re unsure whether your convictions are spent, you can find guidance on the government’s website.
I am no longer able to volunteer for Cancer Research UK, what should I do?
That’s ok, we understand that circumstances change. To let us know that you’re no longer able to volunteer for us, please email volunteering@cancer.org.uk
Shop Volunteer Questions
What is the minimum age to volunteer in shops or distribution centres?
In general, to volunteer in our shops you need to be 18 or over. But if you are 16 or 17, you may be able to volunteer with us in shops as part of a recognised scheme, for example, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. To find out more pop into your local shop and speak to the manager.
If you are under 18 and not part of a scheme, you can still support us by volunteering at an event or setting up your own fundraising project. All our opportunities will give you the chance to learn plenty of new skills.
How can I contact a Cancer Research UK shop?
You can view this list of our shops with their telephone numbers and addresses to get in touch, or pop in store.
What information will I need to give to volunteer in a Cancer Research UK shop?
To volunteer in our shops, we will ask you to complete an application form, including giving the details of a professional reference.
The person providing the reference needs to have known you for at least one year and must not be a blood relative, a partner/spouse or friend. We must be able to contact your named referee and confirm a suitable reference before you start. You can find the full list of suitable referees on the shop volunteering application form.
You will be required to bring photo ID and proof of address before you start with us. If you are not a UK citizen or do not have settled status in the UK, we will ask you to show us documentation to confirm you are eligible to volunteer in the UK, for example details of your visa.
Please bring this information to your taster session. You won't be able to start volunteering until we have all the information. Any issues please contact volunteering@cancer.org.uk
What will happen after I sign up to volunteer in a shop or distribution centre?
After you submit your application, we’ll review it to check eligibility and make sure we have everything we need. A shop manager will get in touch to arrange a taster session. If it’s a good fit, you’ll get started in the role!
If you have any questions about the status of your application, you can contact the shop directly, or email volunteering@cancer.org.uk
I am going to a Cancer Research UK shop volunteer taster session, what should I expect?
During a taster session, you’ll meet the shop manager and other amazing volunteers, all like-minded individuals supporting the same cause. You’ll learn more about the volunteer role, what to expect on a 'normal' day. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat about your availability and what to expect – please let the shop team know how we can accommodate you!
You will be required to bring photo ID and proof of address before you start with us. If you are not a UK citizen or do not have settled status in the UK, we will ask you to show us documentation to confirm you are eligible to volunteer in the UK, for example details of your visa. Please bring this information to your taster session.
When you’re a volunteer or coming in for your taster session, you’ll be representing Cancer Research UK. With that in mind, all members of staff and volunteers need to come across as friendly, positive and professional. We recommend wearing something appropriate and comfortable for the shop floor, something such as jeans and a t-shirt would be fine.
If you’re still in doubt about what to expect, bring or wear, please call the shop and speak to the shop manager before your session. You can find the contact number for the shop using our list of shops.
Can I volunteer in a Cancer Research UK shop as work experience, or as part of a recognised scheme such as Duke of Edinburgh?
Short-term work experience or Duke of Edinburgh placements may be available for those who are 16 and over. Please note these must be organised by your school or college and availability varies by store. Find out what is available at your local store by contacting the shop directly or emailing volunteering@cancer.org.uk.
Event Volunteer Questions
I’m under 18, can I volunteer at Cancer Research UK events?
Race for Life, Big Hike and Third Party Sports Events – If you are under 16 on the day of the event, you’ll need to seek permission from your parent or legal guardian, who will need to register to volunteer. The legal parent or guardian must complete the online application form for themselves, providing a name and date of birth of any accompanying under 16s in the 'Comments' box. Under 16s will need to be accompanied by this responsible adult on the day.
If you are aged 16 or 17 on the day of the event, you need to confirm you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to volunteer. You will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the day who is also registered to volunteer
Shine Night Walk – Volunteers need to be aged 13 or over on the night of the event. If you are under 16 on the day of the event, you’ll need to seek permission from your parent or legal guardian, who will need to register to volunteer. The legal parent or guardian must complete the online application form for themselves, providing a name and date of birth of any accompanying under 16s in the 'Comments' box. Under 16s will need to be accompanied by this responsible adult on the day.
If you are aged 16 or 17 on the day of the event, you need to confirm you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to volunteer. You will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the day who is also registered to volunteer.
Do you have any paid roles at your events?
Yes, we have the Events Assistant seasonal event role working at our mass participation events – Race for Life and Shine Night Walk. This is a casual worker role working to support the delivery of our events season from May-October. Events Assistants take on highly responsible roles and gain experience in areas such as course, obstacle and volunteer management as well as acting as ambassadors for Cancer Research UK. Applications open in January for a May start – find out more here and check our pages again in January when there will be a link to apply.
What will happen after I sign up to be an event volunteer?
We'll be in touch leading up to your event with useful tips and information and stories from other volunteers. In the meantime, take a look at our Welcome to Volunteering booklet. The Event Manager will be in touch 4 weeks before the event with the final event details including timings, what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have. You’ll receive a briefing before the event and a full explanation of your role on the day. On the day all volunteer teams have a designated manager who will guide and support you in your role and answer any questions you may have.
What if I need to cancel?
If your plans change you can let us know easily by completing the form that is emailed to you after signing up. Or, if you have any questions you can contact us at volunteering@cancer.org.uk
Can groups volunteer?
Yes, the more the merrier! Please provide details of the name and size of your group when you sign up.