Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Spine
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Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Spine
Spinal Specialist Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Physiotherapist
About the Role
An exciting opportunity exists for a dedicated and self-driven Physiotherapist to join the musculoskeletal team as a spinal specialist Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP). The post holder will work closely with surgical consultants, delivering advanced orthopaedic physiotherapy in clinics and outpatient therapy departments.
The role is open to both qualified ACPs and those seeking to train and develop advanced clinical practice skills—candidates must demonstrate extensive experience as an MSK/orthopaedic physiotherapist with a passion for specialist spinal care.
The therapy team comprises advanced practitioners, clinical specialists, rotating therapists, and support workers, covering conditions such as knee, shoulder, hip, and foot/ankle. The team is renowned for excellence, embracing innovative practices, regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development), and a supportive working environment within a purpose-built therapy centre at RUH (Royal United Hospital).
The successful candidate will engage with high clinical complexity, acting as an internal and external expert for physiotherapy teams. Strong time management, attention to detail, and autonomy are critical in this role.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be the lead physiotherapist for the spinal service, responsible for:
- Assessing and treating spinal patients in orthopaedic consultant clinics, including:
- Ordering and reviewing imaging/investigations
- Listing patients for injections and surgeries
- Leading pre-surgical consultations
- Prescribing medications, where clinically appropriate
ACP Accreditation & Development
- Pursue qualification through the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Accreditation framework while backed by the HEE 2017 multi-professional ACP guidelines and RUH Trust Framework for Advanced Practice.
- Align practice with the four pillars of advanced clinical practice:
- Clinical practice (autonomous patient management)
- Leadership (service improvement)
- Research (application and contribution to studies)
- Education (knowledge sharing and skill development for self and others)
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Organisational Commitment & Culture
At Royal United Hospital (RUH), we prioritise people-centred care, collaboration, and exceptional patient outcomes. Our values include:
- Compassion and inclusivity—through diverse staff networks and open dialogue.
- Learning and innovation—a culture that supports career growth, research, and well-being.
- Patient focus—underpinned by research, advanced acute care (e.g., the Dyson Cancer Centre), and a holistic approach to health.
Employee benefits include:
- A healthy work environment emphasizing physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing
- Opportunities to contribute to community engagement and patient education programs
- Flexible working options and lifestyle support (e.g., swimming pool access)
Location & Surroundings
The role is based at RUH in Bath, a historic city known for its vibrant culture, academia (University of Bath), and weöder-WФАbbegliederun (plenty to explore beyond work).
Detailed Job Specification & Person Specification
(Please refer to attached documents for full criteria.)
Qualifications & Training
Essential Criteria
- Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy (professional registration required)
- Enrolment (or commitment to enrol) on a full-time MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice (or equivalent level qualification)
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable Criteria
- Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (if applicable to role)
- Spinal/orthopaedic specialty certifications
- Leadership/management training or validated portfolio evidence
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Substantial clinical experience as a working practitioner (preferably within orthopaedics/MSK)
- Up-to-date knowledge of guidelines and evidence-based practices in spinal physiotherapy
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Desirable
- Evidence of teaching, mentorship, or supervision (staff development)
- Participation in clinical audits or research projects
- Experience in change management or clinical service improvement
Values & Professional Competencies
Essential
- Demonstrate respect, non-judgementality, and kindness
- Takes proactive responsibility, values cooperation and kindness
- Committed to continuous learning and service improvement
- Professional pride—committed to best practice
Specific Skills
- Autonomous decision-making in patient assessment, diagnosis, and intervention
- Strong verbal/written communication for multi-disciplinary collaboration
- Safely navigates multi-professional protocols with discretion and clarity
Desirable
- Leadership on work-based learning initiatives (e.g., learning need assessment)
- Effective problem-solving to manage clinical complexity
Physical & Emotional Demands
- Capacity to manage mod-to-intense clinical workload for extended periods
- Ability to compassionate support for patients with high anxiety, aggression, or distress (including post-diagnostic debriefs)
- Skill in managing sensitive conversations around rehabilitative limitations
Additional Requirements
Right to Work in the UK
- Due to immigration policy updates, applicants must meet UK right-to-work criteria.
- Sponsorship will not be provided for visa holders unless aligned with current NHS policies.
- Further details: Prove your right to work
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)
- This role requires submission to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Contact for Informal Discussions
Name: James Crossfield Job Title: Deputy Head of Therapies Email: james.crossfield@nhs.net Phone: 01225 826684
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