Deputy Chief Physiotherapist

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS); Sheffield; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) seeks a Deputy Chief Physiotherapist for the 2026-27 season to support the Chief Physiotherapist in administration, planning and coordination of physiotherapy across BUCS events. This developmental role offers exposure to sport medicine leadership at national events and progression toward Chief Physiotherapist in 2027-28.

The role covers BUCS Nationals and Big Wednesday, with on-site work, stock checks, and planning meetings in London.

Qualifications

• Chartered Physiotherapist; CSP member with current HPC registration.
• Five years post‑registration physiotherapy experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and workforce planning in own workplace.
• Experience in university or elite sport providing assessment and treatment of injuries.

Responsibilities

• Support Chief Physiotherapist in workforce planning across approximately eight events annually.
• Allocate and deploy physiotherapists to BUCS events ensuring appropriate coverage.
• Coordinate physiotherapy team at major BUCS events with high clinical standards.
• Work with CMO and Chief Physiotherapist to integrate services within medical provision.

Skills

Leadership & planning

Team coordination

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Degree or Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy

HPC registration

Job description

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is looking to appoint a Deputy Chief Physiotherapist for the 2026-27 season. The successful applicant will take on the role for one BUCS domestic events season, from appointment (December 2026) through to conclusion of the events (June 2027). The primary responsibility of the Deputy Chief Physiotherapist will be to support the Chief Physiotherapist in the administration, planning, and coordination of physiotherapy services across BUCS domestic events. This will include assisting supporting workforce planning, maintaining staff and volunteer records, assisting with the delivery of pre-event online medical meetings, and undertaking stock checks and event kit preparation. In addition, the Deputy Chief Physiotherapist will support the Chief Physiotherapist in the operational delivery of physiotherapy services at BUCS events (specifically the major multi-sport events; BUCS Nationals and BUCS Big Wednesday), helping to ensure the organisation of appropriate practitioners across sites, emergency action plans are compiled and physiotherapy provision is delivered to a high professional standard as part of wider BUCS medical team. The role is designed as a developmental and succession-planning opportunity. During the 2026-27 season, the Deputy Chief Physiotherapist will work closely alongside the Chief Physiotherapist to gain an understanding of the strategic, operational, and administrative responsibilities of the position. Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, it is anticipated that the Deputy Chief Physiotherapist will progress into the Chief Physiotherapist role for the 2027-28 season, providing continuity of leadership and support for BUCS physiotherapy services. The two main BUCS domestic events are Nationals and Big Wednesday, which take place annually. It is expected that the Deputy Chief Physiotherapist will be available to attend both of these events to support the coordination of physiotherapy services. BUCS Nationals: Sheffield | 12-14 February 2027 BUCS Big Wednesday: Loughborough | 23-24 March 2027 It is anticipated that you would be required onsite one day before the events. This role would be particularly suited to a Chartered Physiotherapist with an interest in sport physiotherapy and healthcare leadership. It offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in workforce management, event operations, service administration, and the strategic delivery of physiotherapy services within a national sporting environment, while preparing for progression into a leadership role within the BUCS medical team.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Support the Chief Physiotherapist in, contributing to workforce planning across approximately eight events annually.
• Assist with the allocation and deployment of physiotherapists to BUCS events, ensuring appropriate practitioner cover and skill mix in line with event requirements.
• Support the Chief Physiotherapist in the management and coordination of the physiotherapy team at major and multi-sport BUCS events, promoting high standards of clinical care and professionalism. Leading on an area of cover for these events.
• Work closely with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Physiotherapist to ensure effective integration of physiotherapy services within the wider medical provision, fostering strong multidisciplinary working relationships and collaborative decision-making.
• Maintain and update the BUCS physiotherapist database, ensuring practitioner records, qualifications, and availability information are accurate and up to date.
• Liaise with the BUCS Head of Events and other key stakeholders regarding event schedules, staffing requirements, travel, accommodation, and operational planning.
• Assist in the administration and coordination of physiotherapy services, including maintaining documentation, staffing records, event rotas, and relevant operational paperwork.
• Support the collection and maintenance of treatment and activity data as required to provide accurate records, reports, and service evaluations.
• Contribute to the development of event-specific operational plans and procedures relating to physiotherapy provision and athlete welfare.
• Assist with the preparation of post-event reports and feedback, identifying learning opportunities and recommendations to support future planning.
• Undertake any additional duties delegated by the Chief Physiotherapist that contribute to the effective delivery of physiotherapy services across BUCS events.
• Assist with stock checks and equipment packing at the BUCS Office in London twice per year, Attend one medical planning & stock check meeting in London during January or February 2027 in the BUCS Office (London, SE1 0QX)
• Attend online event planning meetings x 8 (45 mins)
• Attend both major events, BUCS Nationals (Thursday 11 - Sunday 14 February) and BUCS Big Wednesday (Monday 22 - Wednesday 24 March 2027)

Remuneration

• Attendance at BUCS Nationals and BUCS Big Wednesday will be remunerated at the BUCS Senior Physiotherapist rate of £225 per day
• Reasonable travel expenses associated with attendance at these events will be reimbursed in accordance with BUCS Volunteer Expense Policy
• Travel expenses for attendance at the required London medical planning meeting will be reimbursed

Essential knowledge or experience

• A member of the CSP with a Degree or Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy and HPC membership, plus 5 years post-registration physiotherapy experience
• An in-date Level 2 (or equivalent) pitch side trauma qualification (e.g. PHICIS, Intermediate FA, Lubas Sport trauma etc).
• Previous experience working within BUCS medical team as a senior contract physio providing event pitch side aid cover.
• At least 4 years' experience of working within university or elite sport (NGB or other) providing assessment & treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and evidence of travelling to provide emergency pitch side cover
• Evidence of leadership and workforce planning within their own place of work
• In date UKAD Sport advisor certificate.

Essential skills and abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage and respond to enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Flexible, proactive, and conscientious approach to duties, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Professional, reliable, and accountable in all aspects of work and conduct.
• High level of integrity, honesty, and discretion when handling sensitive information and carrying out responsibilities.

Desirable knowledge or experience

• A PG Diploma or MSc. in Sports Science or Musculo-skeletal Physiotherapy
• Previous experience of working at a multi-sport event - BUCS, EYOF, WUGS, WYOG, CWG, or similar
• Evidence of active involvement within student sport. An understanding, knowledge and awareness of university sport and the Higher Education sector within the UK's high-performance structure would be considered an advantage