University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Prehabilitation Exercise Professional

The closing date is 06 January 2026

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Fit4Surgery Prehabilitation clinical service. Due to maternity cover a 1 year fixed term post is available. This role would also be suitable for a secondment from within UHL, but please speak to your line manager before applying,

Prehabilitation is an emerging clinical speciality providing patient-centre care and utilising multi-modal interventions to support people to prepare both physically and emotionally for major surgery, usually for cancer. The Fit4Surgery intervention comprises both face-to-face assessment and exercise sessions with home-based exercise to support patients. We are working with patients both during neo-adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy and during preparation for surgery and the service offers exercise, dietary advice and mental health support.

The Fit4Surgery team is looking for an exercise professional to contribute to the caseload management and ongoing delivery of this service. The successful candidate would be supported to undertake appropriate training and development opportunities. The role requires travel across Leicestershire and a flexible approach to working environment as the project utilises facilities at a range of locations.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for a prehabilitation caseload, including triaging referrals, making initial contact with patients to conduct a holistic needs assessment, referring to relevant services, conducting assessments, running face-to-face exercise classes.

You will be required to

Work alongside members of the Fit4Surgery team to ensure the development and delivery of a high quality service.

Be able to work autonomously, under supervision of Senior Staff

Delegate appropriately to unregistered members of the team.

Deliver high quality, clinically effective care, and patient experience, utilising research and in collaboration with colleagues in everyday practice.

Contribute to the development and delivery of a programme of practice and professional development within the team and relevant colleagues.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

  • high-quality care for all,
  • being a great place to work,
  • partnerships for impact, and
  • research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud,
  • we are inclusive, and
  • we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

23 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

358-7601743-ITA

Job locations

Glenfield Hospital

Leicester

LE3 9QP


Job description

Job responsibilities

Successful support of the delivery and development of the Fit4Surgery prehabilitation programme is the key aim of this post. You will be required to:

  • Conduct triage of relevant medical information and telephone calls with patients to determine appropriate prehabilitation intervention.

  • Provide advice and support regarding all aspects of prehabilitation to patients and their families and carers.

  • Provide health education to patients, ensuring appropriate, consistent realistic information is provided to patients and families. This may include conducting conversations about sensitive and complex information with patients, families/carers, with appropriate support from Senior Staff.

  • Be responsible for the development and evaluation of individual exercise programmes for leisure centre and home settings, seeking guidance from senior staff as appropriate

  • Ensure that all interventions are delivered to the highest standard in line with national prehabilitation guidance

  • Ensure that all patients (as per caseload) are appropriately assessed and risk stratified according to national guidance and policy.

  • Maintain accurate and legible records of treatment/intervention for all patients, in accordance with department and Trust standards.

  • Be accountable for own actions in accordance with own professional bodies e.g. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), Royal College of Occupational Therapy or British Dietetic Association.

  • Maintain and develop clinical expertise by attendance and participation of post registered education.

  • Communicate effectively with community based colleagues and other allied health professionals, including other rehabilitation teams.

  • Make and receive direct referrals to and from the relevant members of multi-professional teams.

  • Demonstrate an enthusiastic, flexible and reliable approach to working, supporting the service leads in meeting service targets.

(Please refer to the job description/person specification for further details on the role).

Job description

Job responsibilities

Successful support of the delivery and development of the Fit4Surgery prehabilitation programme is the key aim of this post. You will be required to:

  • Conduct triage of relevant medical information and telephone calls with patients to determine appropriate prehabilitation intervention.

  • Provide advice and support regarding all aspects of prehabilitation to patients and their families and carers.

  • Provide health education to patients, ensuring appropriate, consistent realistic information is provided to patients and families. This may include conducting conversations about sensitive and complex information with patients, families/carers, with appropriate support from Senior Staff.

  • Be responsible for the development and evaluation of individual exercise programmes for leisure centre and home settings, seeking guidance from senior staff as appropriate

  • Ensure that all interventions are delivered to the highest standard in line with national prehabilitation guidance

  • Ensure that all patients (as per caseload) are appropriately assessed and risk stratified according to national guidance and policy.

  • Maintain accurate and legible records of treatment/intervention for all patients, in accordance with department and Trust standards.

  • Be accountable for own actions in accordance with own professional bodies e.g. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), Royal College of Occupational Therapy or British Dietetic Association.

  • Maintain and develop clinical expertise by attendance and participation of post registered education.

  • Communicate effectively with community based colleagues and other allied health professionals, including other rehabilitation teams.

  • Make and receive direct referrals to and from the relevant members of multi-professional teams.

  • Demonstrate an enthusiastic, flexible and reliable approach to working, supporting the service leads in meeting service targets.

(Please refer to the job description/person specification for further details on the role).

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc in relevant Allied Health Profession or Nursing or Physiology/Sports Science or equivalent
  • Evidence of relevant post graduate courses or willingness to undertake

Desirable

  • Relevant MSc in Allied Health Profession, Nursing or Physiology/Sports Science or equivalent

Experience, clinical knowledge and ability

Essential

  • Clinical knowledge to conduct triage processes including analysis of medical notes and holistic needs assessments with patients
  • Knowledge or experience of exercise testing and prescription in long term conditions
  • Experience of delivery and supervision of exercise sessions for those with long term conditions

Desirable

  • NHS Clinical expertise
  • Experience working with people living with cancer.
  • Experience or knowledge of delivering behaviour change interventions.
  • Experience or knowledge of prehabilitation / rehabilitation services
  • Participation in Research/ audit

Communication and relationship skills

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Sound verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
  • Confidence to deal with members of the public/patients/staff at all levels, with appropriate support from senior staff

Desirable

  • Experience of supporting non-registered staff

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of data protection and patient confidentiality
  • High level of computer literacy with good use of Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and Outlook applications
  • Able to use own initiative within procedural guidelines
  • Able to recognise own limitations

Desirable

  • Experience of data collection and analysis

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

  • Sound organisational and caseload management skills - able to prioritise work and manage time effectively
  • Pays attention to detail and consistently produces accurate work
  • Ensures personal, professional behaviour and integrity at all times

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
  • All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

  • Flexible attitude, motivated and committed to improving patient care and Trust wide efficiency, Willing to participate in personal development, Access to a car and ability to drive

Desirable

  • Ability to fluently speak other languages frequently used the LLR population

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Person Specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc in relevant Allied Health Profession or Nursing or Physiology/Sports Science or equivalent
  • Evidence of relevant post graduate courses or willingness to undertake

Desirable

  • Relevant MSc in Allied Health Profession, Nursing or Physiology/Sports Science or equivalent

Experience, clinical knowledge and ability

Essential

  • Clinical knowledge to conduct triage processes including analysis of medical notes and holistic needs assessments with patients
  • Knowledge or experience of exercise testing and prescription in long term conditions
  • Experience of delivery and supervision of exercise sessions for those with long term conditions

Desirable

  • NHS Clinical expertise
  • Experience working with people living with cancer.
  • Experience or knowledge of delivering behaviour change interventions.
  • Experience or knowledge of prehabilitation / rehabilitation services
  • Participation in Research/ audit

Communication and relationship skills

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Sound verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
  • Confidence to deal with members of the public/patients/staff at all levels, with appropriate support from senior staff

Desirable

  • Experience of supporting non-registered staff

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of data protection and patient confidentiality
  • High level of computer literacy with good use of Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and Outlook applications
  • Able to use own initiative within procedural guidelines
  • Able to recognise own limitations

Desirable

  • Experience of data collection and analysis

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

  • Sound organisational and caseload management skills - able to prioritise work and manage time effectively
  • Pays attention to detail and consistently produces accurate work
  • Ensures personal, professional behaviour and integrity at all times

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
  • All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

  • Flexible attitude, motivated and committed to improving patient care and Trust wide efficiency, Willing to participate in personal development, Access to a car and ability to drive

Desirable

  • Ability to fluently speak other languages frequently used the LLR population

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Address

Glenfield Hospital

Leicester

LE3 9QP


Employer's website

https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Address

Glenfield Hospital

Leicester

LE3 9QP


Employer's website

https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Prehabilitation Clinical Service Lead

Heather MacKinnon

heather.mackinnon3@nhs.net

07779556442

Details

Date posted

23 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

358-7601743-ITA

Job locations

Glenfield Hospital

Leicester

LE3 9QP


Supporting documents

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