Deputy Chief Physiotherapist

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS); Greater London; On-site; GBP 251,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

BUCS is seeking a Deputy Chief Physiotherapist for the 2026–27 season, from December 2026 to June 2027, with a clear succession path to Chief Physiotherapist for 2027–28. The role is suited to a Chartered Physiotherapist with sport physiotherapy leadership interests and CSP/HCPC credentials.

You will support administrative planning, coordinate physiotherapy services across BUCS events in London, and contribute to major events like BUCS Nationals and BUCS Big Wednesday.

Qualifications

• CSP membership, HCPC registration and 5 years post-registration physiotherapy experience.
• In-date Level 2 (or equivalent) pitch-side trauma qualification.
• Senior contract physio experience within BUCS medical team.
• At least 4 years in university or elite sport with travel for pitch-side cover.
• Evidence of leadership and workforce planning and an in-date UKAD advisor certificate.

Responsibilities

• Support workforce planning across around eight events a year and the deployment of physiotherapists.
• Help manage the physiotherapy team at major BUCS events, leading an area of cover.
• Maintain the BUCS physiotherapist database and staffing records.
• Liaise with the BUCS Head of Events on schedules, staffing, travel and accommodation.
• Help collect treatment data and prepare post-event reports.
• Assist with stock checks and kit packing at the BUCS office in London twice a year.

Skills

Leadership

Workforce planning

Pitch-side trauma qualification

BUCS medical team experience

Travel for sport events

Education

Physiotherapy degree or graduate diploma

HCPC registration

Tools

UKAD advisor certificate

Job description

BUCS is looking to appoint a Deputy Chief Physiotherapist for the 2026–27 season, from appointment in December 2026 until the end of the events in June 2027.

The Role

You will support the Chief Physiotherapist with the administration, planning and coordination of physiotherapy services across BUCS domestic events, and with operational delivery at the major multi-sport events.

The role is a developmental, succession-planning opportunity: subject to performance and mutual agreement, you are expected to progress into the Chief Physiotherapist role for 2027–28. It suits a Chartered Physiotherapist with an interest in sport physiotherapy and healthcare leadership.

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) runs two major domestic events each season: BUCS Nationals (Sheffield, 11–14 February 2027) and BUCS Big Wednesday (Loughborough, 22–24 March 2027).

Key Responsibilities

• Support workforce planning across around eight events a year and the deployment of physiotherapists
• Help manage the physiotherapy team at major BUCS events, leading an area of cover
• Maintain the BUCS physiotherapist database and staffing records
• Liaise with the BUCS Head of Events on schedules, staffing, travel and accommodation
• Help collect treatment data and prepare post-event reports
• Assist with stock checks and kit packing at the BUCS office in London twice a year

About You

• CSP membership, a degree or graduate diploma in Physiotherapy, HCPC registration and 5 years’ post-registration experience
• An in-date Level 2 (or equivalent) pitch-side trauma qualification
• Previous experience as a senior contract physio in the BUCS medical team
• At least 4 years in university or elite sport, including travelling to provide pitch-side cover
• Evidence of leadership and workforce planning, and an in-date UKAD advisor certificate

Key Details

• Location: BUCS events and the BUCS office, London (SE1 0QX)
• Commitment: One planning and stock check meeting in London (January/February 2027), 8 online planning meetings and attendance at both major events (arriving one day before)
• Pay: £225 per day at BUCS Nationals and Big Wednesday, plus reasonable travel expenses
• Interviews: 8 December 2026 (afternoon)
• Closing date: 27 November 2026 (11:59pm)