First Contact Practitioner

Xcel Health Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave up to 33 days

Additional long-service leave up to 5

Private dental and optical benefits

Mental health check-up benefits

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

On-site parking at GP locations

Job summary

Xcel Health Group is seeking an experienced First Contact Physiotherapist to join our NHS Primary Care team in Greater Manchester. You will be the first point of contact for patients with MSK conditions across GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks, delivering autonomous care and advanced clinical decision-making.

The role requires strong MSK experience, NHS primary care exposure, and the ability to work collaboratively with GPs and allied professionals.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered physiotherapist with MSK experience.
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification MSK experience.
• Experience in NHS, primary care or multidisciplinary settings.
• Ability to assess, diagnose, triage and manage MSK conditions independently.
• Competent in NHS pathways and clinical governance.

Responsibilities

• Independently assessing, diagnosing, triaging and managing a wide range of MSK presentations.
• Demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and recognizing red flags.
• Requesting and interpreting investigations and referring via NHS pathways.
• Providing exercise prescription, self-management advice and referrals.
• Collaborating with GPs and multidisciplinary colleagues for integrated care.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to governance and CPD.

Skills

HCPC-registered Physiotherapist

Autonomous clinical decision-making

Excellent communication

Independent MSK management

Education

FCP Roadmap Stage 1

FCP Roadmap Stage 2

Tools

EMIS

SystmOne

Job description

First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) – NHS Primary Care

Location: Manchester / Greater Manchester – GP Surgeries & Primary Care Networks

Job Type: Full-time

Are you an experienced MSK Physiotherapist or an FCP ready to make a real impact in Primary Care?

Xcel Health Group is looking for an experienced and clinically confident First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) to join our growing team across GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks in Greater Manchester.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in musculoskeletal (MSK) practice, proven autonomous clinical decision‑making skills, and experience working within NHS, primary care or multidisciplinary healthcare settings.

This is an opportunity to practise at an advanced clinical level, manage complex MSK presentations, and work collaboratively with GPs and other healthcare professionals while benefiting from clinical support, professional development and opportunities for career progression.

The Role

As an FCP, you will be a first point of contact for patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions in primary care.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Independently assessing, diagnosing, triaging and managing a wide range of MSK presentations, including complex and undifferentiated conditions.
• Demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning, recognising red flags and serious pathology, and making safe, evidence-based management decisions.
• Requesting and interpreting appropriate investigations and referring patients through established NHS pathways, within your scope of practice and local clinical authorisations.
• Providing personalised care, exercise prescription, self‑management advice and appropriate onward referrals.
• Working closely with GPs, practice teams and multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver effective, integrated patient care.
• Maintaining accurate clinical records and contributing to clinical governance, audit and service improvement.
• Supporting clinical education, team development and continuous professional development.

What We're Looking For

• HCPC-registered Physiotherapist.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant post-qualification MSK clinical experience, ideally 4 years or more.
• Demonstrable experience within NHS, primary care or comparable multidisciplinary healthcare settings.
• Strong experience assessing and managing complex MSK conditions independently.
• Excellent clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills, risk assessment and red‑flag recognition.
• Experience working collaboratively with GPs, consultants or other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
• FCP Roadmap Stage 1 completed and signed off, with evidence of competency.
• Excellent communication, clinical documentation and patient management skills.
• Existing right to work in the UK for this role without requiring employer visa sponsorship.

Highly desirable:

• Previous experience working as an FCP within NHS GP practices or Primary Care Networks.
• FCP Roadmap Stage 2 successfully completed and verified.
• Experience using NHS clinical systems such as EMIS or SystmOne.
• Additional qualifications or competencies in injection therapy, non‑medical prescribing or advanced MSK practice.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between local GP practice locations.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate safe, independent clinical practice, confidence in managing complex presentations and the ability to contribute effectively from the outset.

Why Join Xcel Health?

We recognise the experience and clinical judgement required to succeed as an FCP. Our aim is to provide the autonomy, support and opportunities needed to help you continue developing your career.

Professional Development

• Funding opportunities for Non-Medical Prescribing and Injection Therapy training.
• Dedicated clinical mentorship and professional development support.
• Structured CPD and leadership development opportunities.
• Opportunities to contribute to service improvements and clinical training.

Employee Benefits

• Annual leave entitlement of up to 33 days.
• Additional annual leave rewards for long service, up to 5 extra days.
• Private dental, optical and mental health check-up benefits, worth up to £250.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family.
• Employee recognition awards, gift vouchers and team social events.
• On-site parking at participating GP surgery locations.

Join Our Primary Care Team!!!

Please note: Applicants must hold valid HCPC registration and have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this vacancy.