Therapy Practitioner - Exercise Lead

NHS; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A National Healthcare Service is seeking a dedicated Exercise Lead to enhance patients' recovery by delivering tailored exercise programs. This vital role involves educating patients, collaborating with physiotherapists, and monitoring progress. Candidates should possess a foundation degree in Health and Social Care, REPS Level 4, and a genuine passion for patient care. Join a supportive multidisciplinary team and make a positive impact in Christchurch, England, while enjoying flexible working hours.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible working hours

Supportive multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in exercise science or fitness instruction.
• Experience in delivering exercise advice and managing exercise programmes.
• Ability to work independently with patients and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, effective, and individualised exercise programs.
• Educate patients on exercise techniques, equipment use, and injury prevention.
• Monitor patient progress and provide feedback to physiotherapists.
• Collaborate with the MSK team for service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Exercise science knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Patient care

Education

Foundation degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent

REPS Level 4

BACPR Specialist Exercise Instructor qualification

BSc in relevant area (desirable)

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about helping patients restore movement, improve strength, and enhance quality of life? Do you have a background in exercise instruction and a drive to make a meaningful impact within the NHS? We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Exercise Lead to join our Musculoskeletal (MSK) Outpatient Physiotherapy team in Christchurch, Dorset.

About You

To succeed in this role, you should have a strong foundation in exercise science or fitness instruction and a genuine passion for patient care. You should be organised, compassionate, and comfortable working in a clinical setting. Prior experience in a healthcare or physiotherapy environment is beneficial but not essential. Unfortunately this post cannot support visa sponsorship.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team within a respected NHS trust.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and development.
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in patients' lives.

Interview Date: 12th January 2025

Role Description

As a Band 4 Exercise Lead, you will play a vital role in delivering tailored exercise programs to patients with musculoskeletal conditions, working alongside a team of physiotherapists and support staff. You will guide patients through rehabilitation exercises, provide support and motivation, and monitor progress to help them achieve their goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the recovery journey of our patients and to contribute to a compassionate and collaborative clinical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, effective, and individualised exercise programs to MSK outpatients under the guidance of physiotherapists in a rehab gym and group exercise classes.
• Educate patients on exercise techniques, equipment use, and injury prevention.
• Monitor patient progress and provide feedback to physiotherapists to support optimal care.
• Collaborate with the MSK team to contribute to service improvement initiatives and enhance the quality of patient care.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records in line with NHS policies and standards.

Person Specification

• Educational Essential: Foundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2) or as a level 5 apprenticeship, such as the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship.
• REPS Level 4
• BACPR Specialist Exercise Instructor qualification
• Desirable: BSc in relevant area.
• Desirable: Experience in delivering exercise advice and progress exercise programmes both 1:1 and in group settings.
• Communication Essential: Develops and maintains positive relationships with patients and staff; understands the principles of health promotion; understands the main legal responsibilities of healthcare practitioners and able to keep timely and accurate medical records.
• Desirable: Understands the range of organisations in the health and social care sector.
• Clinical Essential: Understands role boundaries and importance of supervision and carrying out delegated tasks; able to follow procedure and protocols; able to work independently with patients; good time management and able to manage own diary; understands importance of gaining consent.
• Desirable: Able to prioritise more complex cases and seek guidance where appropriate.
• Personal Essential: Able to work under pressure; able to withstand modest physical exertion at work including working in warm environments; able to speak English to the required level; acts with honesty and integrity in keeping with UHD values; respects diversity and acts without prejudice or discrimination.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Christchurch Hospital, Fairmile Road, Christchurch, BH23 2JX

Contact

Reference number: 153-SP05341

Pay: £27,485 to £30,162 a year pa

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full time

Band: 4

Job Posted15 December 2025

This is a support worker role and is not suitable for individuals seeking a registered physiotherapy post. The post holder will work under supervision of a registered physiotherapist and does not offer registered practice or progression into an autonomous physiotherapy post.