How to Volunteer

The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting the types of volunteering we can offer at Macmillan, as we seek to protect our volunteers and people living with cancer. Macmillan volunteers are continuing to have a crucial impact, by directly supporting people with cancer, powering our fundraising and supporting our backend operations.

So, while you may see a reduced level of roles available at the moment, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and have a real impact. We also recruit some roles in cohorts, rather than throughout the year. So, if you don't find something suitable today, please check back another time.

There are also lots of other ways you can get involved with Macmillan, even if you can't find a volunteer role at the moment. Consider taking a look at our fundraising opportunities, or, if you have a direct experience of cancer, our Cancer Voices community may be of interest.

Contact the Macmillan team at volunteering@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 1000 200 if you'd like to discuss what is on offer further.

Volunteers should not feel restricted by any financial demands caused by volunteering for us. We reimburse reasonable travel costs to and from the organisation, travel while volunteering and other expenses by arrangement. You can find more information about expenses for volunteers. We will explain how to claim when you join us, or just speak to your Volunteer Manager.

Everyone is different and we don't have a set rule for the amount of time you should wait. However, some of our volunteer roles can be physically or emotionally challenging. If you’re unsure then please contact the Macmillan team at volunteering@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 1000 200. If you have a direct experience of cancer, you may also be interested in joining our Cancer Voices community.

There are many ways in which you can volunteer, either as an individual or as a team. If you can't find what you are looking for or want to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us at volunteering@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 1000 200.

Macmillan recognises the contribution that people with a criminal record can make to our organisation and we welcome applications from them. A prior criminal conviction does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering, but Macmillan does need to be aware of this information in order to find people suitable roles. It is your responsibility to contact the Safeguarding Team at the earliest opportunity to tell them this information. For more information, please refer to our guidance for recruiting people with criminal convictions or email safeguarding@macmillan.org.uk.

By submitting an application to volunteer, you are taking responsibility for disclosing any necessary information to Macmillan.

We provide photo identity cards for roles where you are more likely to be asked to prove your identity. For all other roles, if anyone questions you, they can call us on 0300 1000 200 and we'll confirm that you're a volunteer.