Advanced Practitioner Physiotherapist (Spinal)
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
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Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2221 (100% match) is an eligible occupation, and Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust assigned 9 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2221 jobs, according to the Home Office.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2221 Physiotherapists Most likely code | £25,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Role Summary
This is a substantive Band 8A Advanced Practice role within a forward-thinking, multidisciplinary team. You will work with a high level of clinical autonomy while being fully supported through:
- Consultant Physiotherapist
- Robust governance from the Consultant Spinal Surgical Group
- Regular MDT working across North Devon and Exeter sites
You will play a key role in delivering expert assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex spinal and MSK conditions, while contributing to pathway development across primary and secondary care.
The Orthopaedic Spinal Service is central to ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place, reducing unnecessary surgical referrals and improving patient outcomes across the system.
About the service:
The Orthopaedic Spinal Service provides specialist triage, assessment, and management for patients with complex MSK and orthopaedic presentations. As part of the wider RDUH spinal pathway, the service works seamlessly from GP referral through to secondary and tertiary care.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
RDUH offers a unique opportunity to work within a progressive, system-wide spinal service, combining local delivery in Exeter supporting North Devon.
The Orthopaedic Spinal Team actively promotes:
- Professional growth and career development
- Collaborative leadership across the MSK and spinal pathway
- Innovation and service transformation at scale
Key features of the service include:
- Advanced clinical assessment and expert diagnostic reasoning
- Direct access to imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) and investigations
- Delivery of specialist interventions, including injection therapy
- Close integration with Orthopaedics, Pain Services, Rheumatology, and Neurology
- Participation in Devon-wide spinal SPOA pathways
- Cross-site MDT collaboration
Key Responsibilities:
- Clinical Practice
- Independently manage complex spinal and MSK presentations
- Request, interpret, and act on diagnostic investigations
- Contribute to surgical decision-making and pathway optimisation
- Deliver high-quality, patient-centred care with advanced clinical autonomy
- Leadership & Service Development
- Support ongoing development of the wider spinal pathway
About You:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated clinician who:
- Has significant experience in MSK practice (preferably as a physiotherapist), particularly spinal conditions
- Demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
- Is confident working autonomously within a supported governance framework
- Has a passion for service development, leadership, and education
- Thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
For further information please contact: Gethin Lynch : MSK Consultant Physiotherapist - Email contact [email protected]
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
Attached documents:
- Job Description - Advanced Practitioner Spinal.pdf
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, so check their own site for the current details.
This role appears to be based at this CQC-rated location:
- Requires improvement
Rated Mar 2024
Matched from the job description. Source: Care Quality Commission.
Where this offer sits in the market
Physiotherapists (SOC 2221) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~55k in sample- Middle half £34,684–50,024
- Median £41,548
Similar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust assigned 9 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2221 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
Skilled Worker roles must clear both the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. See our occupation eligibility guide for the current figures.