Active Lifestyles Instructor

Job overview

Are you passionate about promoting physical health, wellbeing and meaningful activity within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment? We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated Band 3 Active Lifestyles Instructors to join our Active Lifestyles Team within a high secure mental health setting.

As an Active Lifestyles Instructor, you will play a key role in delivering structured physical activity, exercise and educational sessions to patients with a range of needs. Working closely with Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Technical Instructors and the wider MDT, you will support patient rehabilitation, engagement and recovery through safe, inclusive and motivating activity programmes.

You will contribute to individual and group sessions, support patient progress, and maintain accurate records while ensuring a safe and secure environment in line with Trust policies. The role also includes supporting weight management education, health promotion, nutrition awareness and healthy lifestyle initiatives, helping patients to improve their physical health and long‑term wellbeing.

This is a varied and rewarding role within a high secure environment, requiring flexibility, professionalism and a strong commitment to patient care and safety.

This post attracts a £7,000 High Secure Payment per annum, in addition to basic salary.

Main duties of the job

• Lead fitness, physical activity and weight management education sessions appropriate to patients with varying levels of ability, in line with individual needs and risk assessments.
• Support the delivery of structured group and individual activity programmes that promote physical health, wellbeing, engagement and rehabilitation.
• Escort patients safely to and from designated activity areas in accordance with Trust security procedures and policies.
• Work collaboratively with Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Technical Instructors and the wider multidisciplinary team to support coordinated care and healthy lifestyle interventions.
• Provide motivation, encouragement and reassurance to support patient participation, confidence and progress.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential written records of patient attendance, participation and progress in line with Trust requirements.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean and secure environment, ensuring equipment is checked, used appropriately and stored safely.
• Follow all Trust policies, procedures, health and safety, infection control and security guidelines at all times.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Nationally recognised Gym instructor qualification (minimum Level 2) and relevant experience.
• A lifeguarding qualification or the willingness to obtain once in post.
• Nationally recognised Learning Support qualification or equivalent experience or the willingness to obtain once on post.
• Can demonstrate evidence of ongoing and updated professional development.
• Is able to comply with quality measures within an educational establishment.
• Has an understanding of the issues relating to supporting patients who might also have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
• Has a knowledge of issues surrounding obesity and health related issues within a forensic or secure mental health setting.
• Has knowledge of the NHS and Mental Health Act and related legislation.
• Has a flexible approach to working practices.
• Able to work evenings and weekends on a team rota
• Is able to work on own initiative and as a team member.
• Has a commitment to equal opportunities.
• Is able to demonstrate a knowledge of risk and risk assessment.
• Participate in the escorting of patients in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to working in different settings with a variety of patient groups.
• Knowledge or experience of delivering health promotion activities.
• Knowledge or experience of nutrition promotion

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.

Applicant requirements

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.