Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Highly Specialised Physiotherapist

The closing date is 23 November 2025

Job summary

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering new service that's transforming the way we support people affected by cancer.

We're looking for a skilled physiotherapist with in-depth knowledge and experience in oncology. You'll play a central role in expanding our innovative prehabilitation service through the Active Together Programme -- a unique collaboration with Yorkshire Cancer Research, local universities, and councils. This initiative empowers individuals to enhance their health and wellbeing through personalised support before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Working closely with the Prehabilitation Service Lead and the wider team, you'll help bring the service to full operational capacity across relevant cancer pathways. As a Highly Specialised Physiotherapist, you'll ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based physiotherapy and exercise interventions, while also contributing to the development of services across the Trust and within the community.

In this dynamic and varied role, you'll also take on a key leadership position--mentoring and supporting colleagues, guiding the education and supervision of clinical staff, and working alongside fitness professionals in community settings.

You'll deliver services across a range of locations, including CHFT sites, leisure facilities, university campuses, and other community venues--ensuring care is accessible, consistent, and centred around the needs of those we support

Main duties of the job

  • Lead the delivery of cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation services across hospital and community settings.
  • Provide advanced clinical assessments and tailored physiotherapy interventions for individuals before, during, and after cancer treatment.
  • Act as a clinical lead, ensuring high standards of care and evidence-based practice across multiple tumour sites.
  • Supervise and mentor physiotherapists, assistant practitioners, and fitness instructors.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), universities, councils, and community partners to deliver integrated care.
  • Organise and deliver group rehabilitation sessions and contribute to patient education.
  • Participate in service development, audits, research, and data collection for the Active Together Programme.
  • Support operational management including staff appraisals, rota planning, and deputising for the Service Lead.
  • Ensure safe and effective use of equipment and compliance with governance and risk management policies.
  • Represent the Trust and programme at local, regional, and national levels

About us

CHFT is an integrated Trust of 6,500+ colleagues providing hospital and community services to patients and communities across Calderdale and Kirklees. We are rated as 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission, are a top performing Trust for Elective Recovery, Emergency and Cancer Care and widely acknowledged as a national digital lead when it comes to caring for people across our local and regional systems.

Our people are at the core of everything we do, hence our commitment to One Culture of Care. Our focus is to care for and support each other in order to provide outstanding compassionate care to our patients. That is why we are looking for an inclusive collaborative, creative, innovative and compassionate leader to join us in this role.

Details

Date posted

19 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

372-CORP1993

Job locations

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Advanced Clinical Leadership and Practice.

To act as Clinical Lead Physiotherapist within the Cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service at both sites and within the community. Lead the development and integration of best practice within the clinical setting, supporting effective interventions in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation across multiple tumour sites, in line with the latest evidence base. Deliver specialised treatments informed by the most current clinical evidence, maintaining up-to-date knowledge through engagement with relevant literature, research tools, and collaboration with practitioners both within and outside the service. Ensure a consistently high standard of patient care by implementing, monitoring, and reviewing clinical standards relevant to the cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service. Support other senior colleagues in the development and implementation of, clinical and service-specific protocols, procedures, and guidelines. Independently prioritise and manage a highly specialist caseload in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, delivering advanced individualised assessments and tailored interventions, while maintaining accurate clinical records. To carry out highly specialist assessment and treatment of patients with a wide range of conditions as well as addressing the rehabilitation needs prior to and following cancer treatment, including surgery. To determine a clinical diagnosis, develop, deliver, implement, evaluate and modify individualised treatment programmes and/or provide specialist advice, ensuring appropriate pathways of care and communication via liaison and referral to other agencies as required. To provide highly complex sensitive counselling to patients and carers using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and the use of empathy, reassurance and motivational interview skills to overcome barriers to change Delegate tasks appropriately to colleagues, including support staff and fitness professionals in community and leisure settings, in line with their training and competencies to support safe and effective service delivery. Provide clinical and operational supervision and guidance to colleagues, supporting their development and ensuring high standards of care across the team. To plan, organise and deliver group rehabilitation activities, co-ordinated with other members of the MDT, taking into account patients physical and mental capabilities. To have expert verbal and non-verbal communications skills of motivation, explanation and reassurance to agree and gain co-operation of patients and carers in their treatment programmes, specifically related to cancer, and cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation. To take part in the education and training of therapists, support workers, qualified and nonqualified healthcare / social services / education staff including medical staff. To work collaboratively with health and social care community and acute colleagues. To work collaboratively with other Highly Specialist Physiotherapists and all key stakeholders of the Active programme within other trusts, sharing learning, education and resources as appropriate. Proactively and appropriately facilitate seamless transitions of care between settings, ensuring continuity of therapeutic management and clear communication with the patient throughout. To work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary manner within the MDT, being able to debate the blurring of boundaries across professions and where competent and appropriate take on aspects of blurred boundary working. To participate in the supervision process with staff daily and for students as required. Provide highly specialist assessment and advice to the multidisciplinary team (MDT), actively contributing to MDT meetings and supporting effective care pathways, including discharge planning. Act as a key resource within cancer services, offering expert guidance to physiotherapists and other professionals on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients before and after cancer treatment. To organise and participate in in-service training programmes, ensuring appropriate training is delivered. To give highly specialist advice, teaching and training to patients / clients, carers, volunteers and other health, educational and social care professionals, as appropriate to ensure provision of good patient care. To be responsible for the supervision and education of students to graduate level in the role of clinical educator. To contribute to the supervision and education of students from other professional groups e.g. Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists in as required.

Operational Delivery To ensure effective day-to-day running of the team including support staff. Actively participate in research and clinical audit activities related to cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, including data collection for programmes such as Active Together. Present findings from research, audits, and patient surveys to internal teams and external stakeholders, including at local and national conferences. To be a manual handling key trainer where required. Lead on completing appraisals for the team. To work flexible across a variety of settings, including out of hours working, including 7 day a week rota to meet the needs of the service. To have access to a vehicle for timely, independent travel across community and hospital sites, with flexibility to work in a changing environment. To provide advice / information to the Prehabilitation Service lead to help in the planning and development of the service. In conjunction with the Prehabilitation Service lead, ensure adequate staff cover within the team by agreeing annual leave, study leave, and report sickness absence to the Prehabilitation Service lead. This will require a basic knowledge of e-rostering. To assist the Prehabilitation Service lead in achieving the service objectives, and Active Together Programme deliverables and outcomes. To assist the Prehabilitation Service lead in the monitoring of professional, clinical and departmental standards and assist implementation of change as appropriate. To participate in the staff recruitment process. To have awareness of team budgets and work with the Prehabilitation Service Lead on cost efficiencies. Deputise for the Prehabilitation Service Lead as required. Participate in regular supervision. To represent and advocate for the Trust and the Active Together programme externally (locally, regionally and nationally).

Risk, Governance & Safety Work autonomously within Trust policies and professional practice, maintaining accurate and comprehensive up to date records within appropriate clinical systems. To give feedback and contribute on policies in line with clinical specialist input when required, which may impact on the management and care of patients within the service. To be responsible for the issue and safe use of equipment used in your area of work and to adhere to the appropriate service policies. Ensure compliance with all national, professional, Trust, and service-specific policies and procedures, including active participation in induction and regular risk management training. Identify and assess potential risks within the department or community settings during service delivery, ensuring these are reported to management and appropriate actions are taken to mitigate them. In line with trust policy, to complete incident reports and supporting documentation for any unexpected event or incident they are involved in. To work with the Prehabilitation Service Lead Team Leader, assisting them in the management of complaints and incidents. Maintain confidentiality of all patient identifiable information in line with Trust policies relating to the Data Protection Act. Initiate discussions with the Prehabilitation Service lead about any circumstances that could prevent the postholder or other staff fulfilling the requirements of the job description

Personal Engage in appropriate development opportunities as identified through the Trusts Personal Development Review process, taking responsibility for following and complying with an agreed personal development plan. Maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio including evidence of experiential learning, reflective practice and any relevant training or experience. This should demonstrate responsibility for maintaining own competency to practice. Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration. Working within own professional scope and limitations and seek advice and support from the Line Manager whenever necessary. Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Advanced Clinical Leadership and Practice.

To act as Clinical Lead Physiotherapist within the Cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service at both sites and within the community. Lead the development and integration of best practice within the clinical setting, supporting effective interventions in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation across multiple tumour sites, in line with the latest evidence base. Deliver specialised treatments informed by the most current clinical evidence, maintaining up-to-date knowledge through engagement with relevant literature, research tools, and collaboration with practitioners both within and outside the service. Ensure a consistently high standard of patient care by implementing, monitoring, and reviewing clinical standards relevant to the cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service. Support other senior colleagues in the development and implementation of, clinical and service-specific protocols, procedures, and guidelines. Independently prioritise and manage a highly specialist caseload in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, delivering advanced individualised assessments and tailored interventions, while maintaining accurate clinical records. To carry out highly specialist assessment and treatment of patients with a wide range of conditions as well as addressing the rehabilitation needs prior to and following cancer treatment, including surgery. To determine a clinical diagnosis, develop, deliver, implement, evaluate and modify individualised treatment programmes and/or provide specialist advice, ensuring appropriate pathways of care and communication via liaison and referral to other agencies as required. To provide highly complex sensitive counselling to patients and carers using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and the use of empathy, reassurance and motivational interview skills to overcome barriers to change Delegate tasks appropriately to colleagues, including support staff and fitness professionals in community and leisure settings, in line with their training and competencies to support safe and effective service delivery. Provide clinical and operational supervision and guidance to colleagues, supporting their development and ensuring high standards of care across the team. To plan, organise and deliver group rehabilitation activities, co-ordinated with other members of the MDT, taking into account patients physical and mental capabilities. To have expert verbal and non-verbal communications skills of motivation, explanation and reassurance to agree and gain co-operation of patients and carers in their treatment programmes, specifically related to cancer, and cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation. To take part in the education and training of therapists, support workers, qualified and nonqualified healthcare / social services / education staff including medical staff. To work collaboratively with health and social care community and acute colleagues. To work collaboratively with other Highly Specialist Physiotherapists and all key stakeholders of the Active programme within other trusts, sharing learning, education and resources as appropriate. Proactively and appropriately facilitate seamless transitions of care between settings, ensuring continuity of therapeutic management and clear communication with the patient throughout. To work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary manner within the MDT, being able to debate the blurring of boundaries across professions and where competent and appropriate take on aspects of blurred boundary working. To participate in the supervision process with staff daily and for students as required. Provide highly specialist assessment and advice to the multidisciplinary team (MDT), actively contributing to MDT meetings and supporting effective care pathways, including discharge planning. Act as a key resource within cancer services, offering expert guidance to physiotherapists and other professionals on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients before and after cancer treatment. To organise and participate in in-service training programmes, ensuring appropriate training is delivered. To give highly specialist advice, teaching and training to patients / clients, carers, volunteers and other health, educational and social care professionals, as appropriate to ensure provision of good patient care. To be responsible for the supervision and education of students to graduate level in the role of clinical educator. To contribute to the supervision and education of students from other professional groups e.g. Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists in as required.

Operational Delivery To ensure effective day-to-day running of the team including support staff. Actively participate in research and clinical audit activities related to cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, including data collection for programmes such as Active Together. Present findings from research, audits, and patient surveys to internal teams and external stakeholders, including at local and national conferences. To be a manual handling key trainer where required. Lead on completing appraisals for the team. To work flexible across a variety of settings, including out of hours working, including 7 day a week rota to meet the needs of the service. To have access to a vehicle for timely, independent travel across community and hospital sites, with flexibility to work in a changing environment. To provide advice / information to the Prehabilitation Service lead to help in the planning and development of the service. In conjunction with the Prehabilitation Service lead, ensure adequate staff cover within the team by agreeing annual leave, study leave, and report sickness absence to the Prehabilitation Service lead. This will require a basic knowledge of e-rostering. To assist the Prehabilitation Service lead in achieving the service objectives, and Active Together Programme deliverables and outcomes. To assist the Prehabilitation Service lead in the monitoring of professional, clinical and departmental standards and assist implementation of change as appropriate. To participate in the staff recruitment process. To have awareness of team budgets and work with the Prehabilitation Service Lead on cost efficiencies. Deputise for the Prehabilitation Service Lead as required. Participate in regular supervision. To represent and advocate for the Trust and the Active Together programme externally (locally, regionally and nationally).

Risk, Governance & Safety Work autonomously within Trust policies and professional practice, maintaining accurate and comprehensive up to date records within appropriate clinical systems. To give feedback and contribute on policies in line with clinical specialist input when required, which may impact on the management and care of patients within the service. To be responsible for the issue and safe use of equipment used in your area of work and to adhere to the appropriate service policies. Ensure compliance with all national, professional, Trust, and service-specific policies and procedures, including active participation in induction and regular risk management training. Identify and assess potential risks within the department or community settings during service delivery, ensuring these are reported to management and appropriate actions are taken to mitigate them. In line with trust policy, to complete incident reports and supporting documentation for any unexpected event or incident they are involved in. To work with the Prehabilitation Service Lead Team Leader, assisting them in the management of complaints and incidents. Maintain confidentiality of all patient identifiable information in line with Trust policies relating to the Data Protection Act. Initiate discussions with the Prehabilitation Service lead about any circumstances that could prevent the postholder or other staff fulfilling the requirements of the job description

Personal Engage in appropriate development opportunities as identified through the Trusts Personal Development Review process, taking responsibility for following and complying with an agreed personal development plan. Maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio including evidence of experiential learning, reflective practice and any relevant training or experience. This should demonstrate responsibility for maintaining own competency to practice. Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration. Working within own professional scope and limitations and seek advice and support from the Line Manager whenever necessary. Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

  • Degree in Physiotherapy and registered with the HCPC

Desirable

  • Postgraduate qualification/training within Cancer/Cancer rehabilitation
  • Postgraduate qualification/training in Leadership/Management/Service Development
  • Postgraduate training in Level 2 Psychological Techniques/Motivational Interviewing
  • Postgraduate qualification/training within Clinical Education.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

  • Significant NHS post-registration experience in Cancer/Cancer rehabilitation.
  • Knowledge of cancer treatments and the potential side effects experienced by individuals living with and beyond cancer, and how these impact rehabilitation needs and care planning
  • Specialist knowledge of cancer care and rehabilitation, informed by national clinical standards, with proven experience in delivering expert, clinically reasoned care to individuals and groups.
  • Significant NHS post-registration experience in Leadership/Management/Service Development
  • Experience in delivering education and training to groups of staff MDT
  • Experience in clinical audit, quality improvement, and continuous service improvement
  • Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance, audit, and research, with the ability to apply these effectively to clinical practice to improve service quality, patient outcomes, and professional standards.
  • A flexible approach to work, with the ability to manage and deliver services across multiple hospital and community locations, and access to a vehicle for timely, independent travel in a changing environment
  • Experienced in collating, analysing, and presenting complex data to support effective decision-making and service improvement
  • Well-developed IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent time and organisational management skills, with the ability to manage a demanding workload and operational priorities independently using own initiative

Desirable

  • Trained in blurred boundary working, with the ability to adapt roles across professional disciplines to support integrated, patient-centred care.

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS

Essential

  • Exceptional and proven ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Exceptional and proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team, delivering multi-modal prehabilitation and/or rehabilitation.
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and clinically supervise others, demonstrating credibility, honesty, and integrity--particularly in the line management of staff.
  • Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with complex situations
Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

  • Degree in Physiotherapy and registered with the HCPC

Desirable

  • Postgraduate qualification/training within Cancer/Cancer rehabilitation
  • Postgraduate qualification/training in Leadership/Management/Service Development
  • Postgraduate training in Level 2 Psychological Techniques/Motivational Interviewing
  • Postgraduate qualification/training within Clinical Education.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

  • Significant NHS post-registration experience in Cancer/Cancer rehabilitation.
  • Knowledge of cancer treatments and the potential side effects experienced by individuals living with and beyond cancer, and how these impact rehabilitation needs and care planning
  • Specialist knowledge of cancer care and rehabilitation, informed by national clinical standards, with proven experience in delivering expert, clinically reasoned care to individuals and groups.
  • Significant NHS post-registration experience in Leadership/Management/Service Development
  • Experience in delivering education and training to groups of staff MDT
  • Experience in clinical audit, quality improvement, and continuous service improvement
  • Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance, audit, and research, with the ability to apply these effectively to clinical practice to improve service quality, patient outcomes, and professional standards.
  • A flexible approach to work, with the ability to manage and deliver services across multiple hospital and community locations, and access to a vehicle for timely, independent travel in a changing environment
  • Experienced in collating, analysing, and presenting complex data to support effective decision-making and service improvement
  • Well-developed IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent time and organisational management skills, with the ability to manage a demanding workload and operational priorities independently using own initiative

Desirable

  • Trained in blurred boundary working, with the ability to adapt roles across professional disciplines to support integrated, patient-centred care.

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS

Essential

  • Exceptional and proven ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Exceptional and proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team, delivering multi-modal prehabilitation and/or rehabilitation.
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and clinically supervise others, demonstrating credibility, honesty, and integrity--particularly in the line management of staff.
  • Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with complex situations

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Prehabilitation Lead - Cancer Services

James Greenwood

james.greenwood@cht.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

19 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

372-CORP1993

Job locations

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Huddersfield

HD3 3EA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)