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.
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.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and are excited about contributing to high-quality MSK physiotherapy care, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a dedicated NHS team committed to transforming lives through rehabilitation.
Interview Date: 5th December 2025
Main duties of the job
About the Role:
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.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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
- oFoundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus, A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2) oOr - as a level 5 apprenticeship, such as the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship
- Experience with patient/public facing roles
Desirable
- Bsc in relevant area
- NHS experience
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 level required for the role
- Acts with honesty and integrity in keeping with UHD values
- Respects diversity and acts without prejudice or discrimination
Person Specification
Educational
Essential
- oFoundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus, A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2) oOr - as a level 5 apprenticeship, such as the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship
- Experience with patient/public facing roles
Desirable
- Bsc in relevant area
- NHS experience
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 level required for the role
- 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.
