Primary Care Careers

Physical Activity Social Prescriber

The closing date is 31 March 2026

Job summary

Abbey Field PCN are looking to recruit a physical activity social prescriber to work at GP surgeries within the PCN area on a fixed term contract for 24 months.

This role will act as a vital connector between primary care and the local community, helping patients access non-medical services for practical, social, and emotional support. Working closely with GPs and practice teams, the role will support individuals issued with Fit Notes for mild to moderate physical or mental health conditions, helping them return to or remain in work through tailored physical activity interventions by linking them to local groups, activities, and advice.

This role is central to North Essexs whole-system approach to health improvement, championing physical activity as part of the Place Partnerships Programme supported by Sport England investment. The postholder will understand their role within this system and work to address the specific needs of patients through physical activity and wider community resources, contributing to improved wellbeing and reduced health inequalities.

Main duties of the job

  • Conducting holistic needs assessments and accepting referrals from GPs and practice staff.
  • Creating personalised plans.
  • Managing caseloads.
  • Building strong relationships.
  • Collaborating with local partners to ensure patients benefit from community assets rather than clinical intervention.
  • Connecting patients to safe, appropriate local activities.
  • Providing motivational support and follow-up using motivational interviewing techniques.
  • Record activity and outcomes using System 1 and other PCN systems.
  • Reporting progress to referring clinicians and contribute to evaluation.
  • Building strong relationships with local community partners to link patients to their provision.

About us

East Hill, Abbey Field & Tollgate PCN is made up of 3 practices, Abbeyfield Medical Centre (including Elmstead & Hawthorne), East Hill Surgery and Tollgate Surgery in Colchester. Supporting your work life balance and professional development is important to us, so we will be happy to discuss any requirements for flexible working and offer the following benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Supportive and friendly environment.
  • Flexible workinghours.
  • Peer support.
  • CPD Support with training and development.

Details

Date posted

11 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience - TBC

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

29446

Job locations

Ypres Road

Colchester

Essex

CO2 7UW


Job description

Job responsibilities

If you would like to find out more information about this role, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Job description

Job responsibilities

If you would like to find out more information about this role, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in health, wellbeing, or physical activity roles
  • Knowledge of local physical activity opportunities and community resources
  • Strong communication and motivational skills, including motivational interviewing
  • Experience in social prescribing or similar person-centred roles
  • Ability to work within a clinical setting and maintain confidentiality
  • Excellent relationship-building skills; warm, welcoming, and able to form trust-based connections

Desirable

  • Familiarity with safeguarding and risk management
  • Understanding of local health inequalities and place-based approaches
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in health, wellbeing, or physical activity roles
  • Knowledge of local physical activity opportunities and community resources
  • Strong communication and motivational skills, including motivational interviewing
  • Experience in social prescribing or similar person-centred roles
  • Ability to work within a clinical setting and maintain confidentiality
  • Excellent relationship-building skills; warm, welcoming, and able to form trust-based connections

Desirable

  • Familiarity with safeguarding and risk management
  • Understanding of local health inequalities and place-based approaches

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

Employer name

Primary Care Careers

Address

Ypres Road

Colchester

Essex

CO2 7UW


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Primary Care Careers

Address

Ypres Road

Colchester

Essex

CO2 7UW


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruitment Team

Abbey Field PCN

enquiries@eoeprimarycarecareers.nhs.uk

01206918760

Details

Date posted

11 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience - TBC

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

29446

Job locations

Ypres Road

Colchester

Essex

CO2 7UW


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