Trustees/Ambassadors Cancer Support UK

Who we are

Vision: Cancer Support UK Creates a Kinder World for Those Impacted by Cancer
Mission: Cancer Support UK does this by providing practical and emotional support, tackling the feeling of ‘isolation’ that so many experience when impacted by cancer, both directly and indirectly.

The Problem: In the UK, over 400 000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and this number is forecast to grow. Significant progress has been made over the last 40 years in cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, today over 3.5million people in the UK are living following a cancer diagnosis. This is forecast to increase to 4million by 2030. There is still much to do to improve the early detection of cancer and to continue to develop treatments that will improve outcomes. But with this progress, a new and significant challenge needs addressing: dealing with the ‘emotional’ fallout of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

This issue has finally been recognised at the highest level, in the recent government 10-year Cancer Plan, published in February 2026. This recognises that to ensure people can respond to treatment and recover in the best way possible, their emotional needs must be addressed as part of an improved, holistic support for every stage of their cancer journey.

The Solution: Cancer Support UK is a national charity that focuses on understanding and addressing this largely unmet need. The services CSUK provides have been developed over many years with input from oncology healthcare professionals, individuals with ‘lived experience ’, and the Mental Health Foundation. CSUK provides three core services across the UK which can address the emotional needs of many:

• Free Cancer Kits that contain practical items that people will find genuinely useful whilst they are undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer Kits and Chemo Kits for adults and Kids’ Kits for children are designed by people who have had cancer themselves.
  
• Cancer Coach – a free 6-week peer support group designed to help those going through a difficult time post-treatment. The courses, led by CSUK’s trained facilitators, take participants through a series of strategies, techniques and exercises designed to equip them with the tools, support and coping strategies they need for their recovery journey.
• Workplace Training – a range of learning options to ensure everyone in the UK affected by cancer feels emotionally supported in the workplace. We provide these services to a variety of organisations including NHS Trusts, local authorities, charities, and major corporations such as Mondelez and Unilever.

Our 2030 Goals

• CSUK is recognised as the UK’s leading emotional support charity for people with cancer.
• Through its support and training services, CSUK will positively impact 250,000 individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis.
• CSUK donations from individuals (including legacy, community and lottery donations) and grants from trusts exceed £500,000 per annum
• CSUK revenues from commercial activities (includes commercial partnerships, Workplace Training and Clothes Aid) exceed £500,000 per annum.

About the role

Over the last four years, CSUK has transformed from a charity that helped a few thousand people each year to one that supports over 100,000 individuals each year through an expanded range of services. Reach, awareness of the issues and the visibility of the Charity have significantly increased by embracing digital marketing platforms and targeted media campaigns that have led to National coverage on leading platforms such as BBC (TV, Radio and Online), CH5, ITV, and LBC Radio.

The need to diversify the Charity’s income has grown, particularly in Commercial Partnerships fundraising. We now have a compelling need to grow revenues in this area, as well as drive new growth in the Workplace Training offer.

We are seeking Trustees who will act as an ambassador for CSUK – opening doors and sharing networks to support the growth of our fundraising and commercial ventures. This could be part of our formal governance structure by sitting on our board as a Trustee, but we are also open to candidates who want to serve as an Ambassador, opening doors and making introductions to their networks without the time commitment of a formal board position.

Ambassador and trustee functions:

• Act as an ambassador for CSUK – opening doors and sharing your networks to support the growth of our fundraising and commercial ventures.
• Contribute to the promotion of CSUK’s activities and achievement of its objectives by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

Trustee functions:

• Take on specific tasks and activities that support the Charity’s continuing operational and financial development.
• Review and approve CSUK’s Annual Report and Financial Statements.
• Oversee the development of CSUK’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Oversee the organisation’s effective and efficient administration.
• Ensure key risks are identified and, where possible, mitigated, controlled and monitored.
• Provide support and constructive challenge to CSUK’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority.
• Keep abreast of changes in CSUK’s operating environment.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking individuals who will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to Trustee and/or Ambassador positions, using their networks to support income growth, particularly with corporate donors and commercial partners.

They will have a deep association with a particular sector of the economy or a service industry background with wide-ranging connections, and will be ready to use their network for the benefit of the Charity. Their ‘door opening’ capabilities will be complemented by a willingness to adopt a hands-on approach.

We do not require previous charity governance experience (although it would be advantageous), however we would be seeking evidence of senior-level commercial success.

Person specification:

• A natural networker and connector who is keen to open doors and share business contacts for the benefit of CSUK.
• A commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be an effective Trustee and/or Ambassador.
• An ability to think creatively and strategically, exercising independent judgement while working effectively as a member or extension of the CSUK Board.
• Able to exhibit enthusiasm and empathy for CSUK’s vision, goals, and values. Lived experience of cancer is regarded as an additional benefit.
• A commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness

Time commitment

• Preparing for and attending CSUK’s 6 Board and 1 Strategy meeting every year. Meetings last about 2 hours and are a mix of digital and in-person. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person at least 50% of all meetings. CSUK Offices are located at The Old Church, 89b Quicks Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 1EX.
• Additional time commitment will result from specific tasks or requests to support the Charity’s activities.

• Please note that Cancer Support UK is also interested in hearing from candidates who would like to support in an Ambassador capacity, which would not require attendance at board meetings. This would suit people with strong networks who want to open doors and give back to the cause, without the time commitment that comes with the charity’s formal governance

Learn more about CSUK

• Our biggest annual fundraising campaign – ‘Cuddles at Christmas’
• Feedback on our support services
• Olympic Champion, Sally Gunnell joins CSUK as an Ambassador