First Contact Physiotherapist Employment Contract UK

Responsibilities reflected in the contract

• Assess undifferentiated musculoskeletal presentations.
• Identify red flags and non-MSK conditions.
• Provide diagnosis advice and safety-netting.
• Request diagnostics within authorised pathways.
• Refer directly to appropriate specialist services.
• Record clinical reasoning and primary-care communication.

A realistic working scenario

A warehouse worker books directly for calf pain after recent immobility. The FCP identifies vascular warning features, avoids exercise advice and arranges same-day assessment with documented safety-netting.

Outputs to agree

• direct-access MSK consultations
• explained self-management or onward-care choices
• completed primary-care handoffs

Records and evidence

• Presenting complaint.
• Working impression and concerns.
• Destination and safety-net.
• Urgent receipt confirmation.
• Work records.
• Handover notes.

Reporting relationship

Typically reports to Line Manager or Department Manager. Confirm the employer's actual reporting structure in the builder.

Authority and escalation

• The practitioner resolves appropriate MSK episodes and uses only specifically granted functions. Unstable illness and non-MSK presentations must be transferred.
• Obtain approval before committing expenditure, changing contractual commitments or making regulated or staffing decisions outside the assigned role.

Tools and systems

• Care planning systems.
• Mobility equipment.

Workplace context

• Practice reception, clinical administration areas and approved patient-facing areas.

Training and certification

• Complete employer-required safeguarding training.
• Complete employer-required health and safety training.

Contract priorities

• direct booking
• same-day escalation
• authorised referral functions
• continuity after transfer

Information the employer should prepare

• the practices networks and patient population
• the booking and exclusion criteria
• the diagnostic prescribing and referral permissions
• the primary-care record system access
• the supervision and clinical advice model
• the audit outcome and education expectations