Job summary
- Main area
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- 2 x Permanent Posts
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 423-7534735
- Employer
- Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Airedale Hospital MSK Physiotherapy across sites
- Town
- Keighley
- Salary
- £47,810 - £54,710 pro rata per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 17/12/2025 23:59
Employer heading
First Contact Physio/Clinical Specialist (Band 7)
NHS AfC: Band 7
Be part of our future landscape
At Airedale, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications irrespective of people’s age, lived experience of living with a disability or long-term conditions, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances.
Increasing our diversity and supporting our organisation to be more inclusive is a key priority here at Airedale and our teams are at the centre of how we work towards this.
We appreciate all people may have diverse and individual needs and we pride ourselves on supporting all people to thrive and flourish at work. We have frameworks in place that support reasonable adjustments and flexible working for colleagues throughout their working lives which starts at recruitment.
These are exciting times for Airedale. We have the once-in-a-career opportunity to be involved in the planning and building of a completely new hospital here on our Steeton site by 2030. By joining us now you’ll be a key part of our journey over the next few years, with the chance to input into a state-of-the-art, modern healthcare facility that will deliver care to our communities for decades to come. We are also on the journey to a new electronic patient record, part of our wider ambition for our digital future – a future that builds on our significant telemedicine and digital care success. Ultimately, what makes Airedale special is our people. Not just our staff, but our volunteers, patients, visitors, and wider population who make up the Airedale family. This is a Trust that sits at the heart of our community, and our communities are very proud of their Trust.
Please read the attached AI statement prior to submitting any application
Job overview
Join Airedale as a First Contact Physiotherapist & MSK Spinal Clinical
Specialist Physiotherapist
Are you a dynamic MSK physiotherapist with a passion for spinal conditions and a drive to shape integrated care pathways? Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting two Band 7 physiotherapists for a unique dual-role opportunity that blends autonomous First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) with specialist MSK Physiotherapy
Spinal patient management.
The Role 37.5 hours FCP /Clinical Specialist Spinal Focus 2 posts
- 20.25 hours/week delivering FCP services in Primary Care — be the first point of contact for MSK patients, offering expert triage, diagnosis, and management without prior GP referral.
- 17.25 hours/week as an MSK Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist with a spinal focus — lead and support advanced assessment and rehabilitation for spinal presentations, and support service development across Primary and Secondary care
This hybrid role is designed to offer variety, challenge, and the chance to influence care at multiple levels. You'll be part of a forward-thinking team committed to clinical excellence and innovation.
Main duties of the job
Job Summary
Clinical Specialist / FCP is responsible for contributing to leadership and development of the MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
The post holder will.
Work clinically as an FCP and clinical specialist physiotherapist leading and
developing pathways of care to develop an integrated MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service pathways
Be responsible for planning, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating clinical case work within the MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Provide evidence based, highly specialist knowledge and skills to the MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service. Support staff in the management of spinal conditions lead and develop spinal rehabilitation pathways
Provide a key role in partnership working with patients, carers, the MDT, and wider statutory, private, and voluntary sector services.
Take responsibility for effective functioning of the team within MSK Physiotherapy/ First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Take a lead with quality improvements in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Take responsibility for staff and student training and development. Provide support
to operational and service managers deputizing for them as required
This role will have a spinal focus when working in the physiotherapy service
Working for our organisation
Why Airedale?
- National leader in telemedicine and offender healthcare
- Strong academic links with Bradford University, Craven College, and Leeds City College
- 400+ volunteers supporting community care
- A culture built on compassion, quality, and collaboration — our “Right Care” behaviours are more than values, they’re our way of working
Who We're Looking For
- A confident, autonomous MSK clinicians with spinal expertise
- Someone who thrives in both Primary Care and specialist MSK outpatient rehab settings
- A team player who can mentor others and contribute to service development and supervision
- Passionate about evidence-based, person-centred care
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see full job description and person specification for further details and job advert
We actively encourage informal conversations before applying — reach out and discover how this role could be the next step in your career.
Closing Date: 17th December 2025
Interview Date: Provisional week beginning 5th Jan 2026
Base: Airedale NHS Foundation Trust working in primary care settings as part of the role
Salary: Band 7 Hours: 37.5/week (20.25 FCP / 17.25 MSK Spinal Specialist- 2 posts)
If you are interested, please contact
Rachel Tiplady - [email protected]
Kieran Duxbury- [email protected]
Jo Sainty - [email protected]
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
(Add appropriate managerial and professional organisational chart for team/clinical area)
Managerial Organisational Chart
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Chief AHP and Head of Therapies |
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Therapy Service Managers MSK |
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Operational Manager MSK Physiotherapy services and First Contact Physiotherapy Service |
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Clinical Specialist/FCP Physiotherapist |
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Specialist Clinicians |
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Clinicians |
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AHP Assistant Practitioner |
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Senior AHP Support Worker |
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AHP Support Worker |
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ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS
PERSON SPECIFICATION
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TITLE OF POST |
Clinical Specialist /First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP) |
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BAND |
7 |
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DEPARTMENT |
Physiotherapy |
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LOCATION |
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust - MSK Physiotherapy First Contact Physiotherapist - Primary Care Premises (Primary Care Networks) |
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REQUIREMENTS |
ESSENTIAL |
DESIRABLE |
ASSESSMENT METHOD |
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Qualifications
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Degree or equivalent pre-registration award in (Physiotherapy)
State registrations with the Health Care Professions Council
Recent post graduate courses relevant to the: MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Previous experience of leadership Completion of course in Professional Practice education
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MSc or PhD in a relevant subject
FCP training completed / prior FCP experience
Post-graduate Diploma in Advanced Practice
Certificate in Managing Health Services or equivalent
Successful completion of a Professionally validated specialist course
Recent post graduate courses in Leadership/management
Member of relevant Professional special interest groups/organisations
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Application form
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Experience |
Recent, comprehensive, and relevant experience working in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Experience of multidisciplinary team working
Experienced in use of IT applications
Experience of multidisciplinary guideline development, implementation, and audit
Experience of clinical supervision both as supervisee and supervisor
Experience of managing other people including conducting annual reviews
Recent experience of student training
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Recent experience of leadership /management role
Experience of taking part in or leading on clinical projects/ service improvements
Experience of taking part in or leading an audit or research project
Experience in dealing with Human Resource issues such as recruitment and retention, performance management, sickness, and annual leave
Experience of working flexibly shifts/weekends
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Application form/ interview/ references/ CPD portfolio
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Knowledge |
Specialist level of knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to support expert clinical practice in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Knowledge of the roles of other professionals and the principles of partnership working with key stakeholders in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
Knowledge of clinical standards and ability to implement and audit these in the team
Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance, audit, and research
Knowledge of the principles of student-centred learning and reflective practice
Knowledge of relevant national and local legislation relevant to MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy
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Application form/ interview/ references/ CPD portfolio
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Skills |
Skills to work as of a part team
Skills in the use digital technology
Excellent planning and organisational skills and ability to facilitate these skills in others
Ability to set objectives for self and team and evaluate achievement of these
Excellent communication and counselling skills including observation, listening, motivational interviewing and empathy
Excellent interpersonal skills for developing complex working relationships, expressing opinions constructively, seeking consensus and maintaining networks
Highly developed negotiation and problem-solving skills in complex situations and ability to facilitate these skills in others
Excellent analytical and reflective skills
Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal, and ability to adjust style and content as appropriate
Skills to be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Skills to cope with working in a stressful environment, including emotional or aggressive patients and carers
Concentration skills to be able to work intensely in a busy environment
Skills to maintain own professional development and quality of work
Skills to support Service manager with the organisation of services and projects
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Ability to inspire staff to deliver high quality services
Ability to chair meetings and facilitate workshops effectively
Ability to adjust management style to suit the situation
Ability to use all applications of Microsoft Office
Audit and critical appraisal skills
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Application form/ interview/ references/ CPD portfolio
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Personal Attributes and values
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High degree of self-motivation and initiative and resilience
High degree of Honesty and integrity
Supportive, approachable, tactful, and diplomatic
Highly flexible to meet own and service needs and be open to new ideas
High degree of energy and enthusiasm
Works independently within parameters set by codes of conduct, professional guidelines, and policies
Actively seeks responsibility, accountability, and autonomy
Always conducts self professionally and able to adapt approach to a range of situations.
Lead by example
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Interview/references |
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Other |
Current UK Driving Licence Access to own transport
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Application form |
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree or equivalent pre-registration award in Physiotherapy
- State registrations with the Health Care Professions Council
- Recent post graduate courses relevant to the: MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
- Recent post graduate courses in Leadership/management
- Completion of course in Professional Practice education
Desirable criteria
- MSc or PhD in a relevant subject
- Development / completion of the FCP road map to practice
- Post-graduate Diploma in Advanced Practice Certificate in Managing Health Services or equivalent
- Successful completion of a Professionally validated specialist course
- Member of relevant Professional special interest groups/organisations
Experience
Essential criteria
- Recent, comprehensive, and relevant experience working in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
- Experience of multidisciplinary team working
- Experienced in use of IT applications
- Experience of multidisciplinary guideline development, implementation, and audit
- Experience of clinical supervision both as supervisee and supervisor
- Experience of managing other people including conducting annual reviews
- Recent experience of student training
Desirable criteria
- Recent experience of leadership /management role
- Experience of taking part in or leading on clinical projects/ service improvement2
- Experience of taking part in or leading an audit or research project
- Experience in dealing with Human Resource issues such as recruitment and retention, performance management, sickness, and annual leave
- Experience of working flexibly shifts/weekends
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Specialist level of knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to support expert. clinical practice in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
- Knowledge of the roles of other professionals and the principles of partnership working with key stakeholders in MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy Service
- Knowledge of clinical standards and ability to implement and audit these in the team
- Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance, audit, and research
- Knowledge of the principles of student-centred learning and reflective practice
- Knowledge of relevant national and local legislation relevant to MSK Physiotherapy/First Contact Physiotherapy
Skills
Essential criteria
- Skills in the use digital technology
- Excellent planning and organisational skills and ability to facilitate these skills in others.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for developing complex working relationships, expressing opinions constructively, seeking consensus and maintaining networks.
Desirable criteria
- Ability to chair meetings and facilitate workshops effectively
- Ability to use all applications of Microsoft Office
- Audit and critical appraisal skills
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Rachel Tiplady
- Job title
- Clinical Lead MSK Physiotherapy
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01535 293421
- Additional information
Robert Hunter
FCP / Team Lead MSK Physiotherapist
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