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Career developmentDec 1, 2021

Ascenti's ambitious plans to recruit 140 physios are explained by Alison Day in a PhysioUpdate Q&A

Leading independent physiotherapy provider Ascenti has launched an ambitious recruitment drive to find 140 physios across the UK. In an exclusive Q&A, physiotherapist Alison Day, Ascenti 's head of clinical excellence, tells PhysioUpdate editor Ian A McMillan what the company is looking for and why you should apply

Alison Day is head of clinical excellence at Ascenti, the independent physio provider

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Tell us about your background

Since graduating in 1997 from University of Wales College of Medicine with a first in physiotherapy, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed some amazing opportunities in my career. From 16 years of NHS experience as a senior and advanced physiotherapist, to six stimulating years as a Lecturer at the Cardiff University School of Physiotherapy – which developed my deep understanding and passion for teaching and education. I have an MSc in manual therapy and am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

My job is enormously rewarding, covering the creation and implementation of our national clinical development programme, and leading on the appraisal and promotion pathway. I focus on constantly shaping and improving our clinical approach and maintaining consistently high service standards and patient care and experience. 

What kinds of experience and approach do new applicants need?

The roles will especially appeal to those physios who are keen to work autonomously in their clinic, free from bureaucracy and red tape, but with the reassurance that support and clinical mentoring is always available [Alison Day]

As the UK’s largest employer of physiotherapists outside the NHS, we are a leading provider of physiotherapy, with an award-winning digital service - and it is this progressive approach that makes Ascenti such an innovative, exciting place to work, as our team of 300 physios will tell you. We have so many fantastic people in our business, who are determined to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.

Our business has seen a huge surge in demand for remote physiotherapy and digitally-enabled musculoskeletal (MSK) treatments and services during the pandemic. To address this demand, we have launched our biggest ever recruitment drive to find 140 physios across the UK over the next 12 months to deliver a mix of both in-person and online musculoskeletal-focused services. Remote roles are available, and we also welcome applications from physios who are looking for a more flexible role that fits with their family and lifestyle needs. 

Our new roles will especially appeal to those physios who are keen to work autonomously in their clinic, free from bureaucracy and red tape, but with the reassurance that support and clinical mentoring is always available. 

If you are looking to transform your career and are interested in applying for our exciting new vacancies, you will need:

  • BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree of 2:2 or above / on course to graduate at this level soon
  • full membership of the Health and Care Professions Council
  • full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists 

Employee wellbeing is a core focus for us at Ascenti and we’re incredibly proud of our caring, supportive, and inclusive culture. Many physios join our team as a direct result of recommendations from existing employees. We’re dedicated to providing industry-leading benefits and offer new physio employees an unrivalled package of attractive, flexible employment benefits, which includes enhanced parental leave and superb wellbeing support.

Tell us about your continuing professional development (CPD) programme

We are dedicated to helping our physios develop in their careers – no business invests in their physiotherapy workforce like us! Our excellence in clinical training and development sets us apart from other providers and employers. And we’re rightly proud that our multi-award-winning clinical development programme ensures every Ascenti physiotherapist undertakes a minimum of 130 hours of ring-fenced training and CPD time annually. Our staff tell us how much they value the great support they receive from their managers, regional development leads and clinical mentors.

We understand you also support students in your role

We nurture and support students in a variety of ways – from attending career fairs to teaching sessions on preparing for employment interviews. We put enormous value on developing positive partnerships and relationships with the programme leads at universities where physio is taught at undergraduate and post-graduate level, including Keele, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, and Plymouth – and at Bradford University I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help shape their future curriculum.

Is this a good time to be a new graduate joining the profession?

It’s a time of dynamic change for our profession – and that’s exciting in so many ways for ambitious new graduates, particularly those who are looking to specialise in  MSK work and are interested in tech and digital healthcare. At Ascenti, we’re digital health pioneers and we’re leading the way with progressive therapies and digital innovations. Working at Ascenti gives new graduates great career progression in MSK and our learning and development programme helps them to quickly become knowledgeable, skilled physiotherapists.

How do you relax and look after your own wellbeing?

I try to maintain a good work/life balance and in true physio style I like to be active and exercise regularly – I visit the gym three or four times a week and love a nice long walk. I enjoy socialising with my friends, and spending time with my family and kids helps me unwind. Also, the occasional holiday is great – I’m off to Norway in February for some fun in the snow!

Alison Day is the head of clinical excellence at Ascenti

To learn more about the new roles available, visit: ascenti.co.uk/careers

Ascenti has also launched a ‘refer a friend’ scheme, in which any member of the public who refers someone who goes on to secure a role with the company will be rewarded with a £200 shopping voucher. You can find out more here: https://www.ascenti.co.uk/careers/refer-a-friend

For more on Ascenti's recruitment drive, visit: https://www.physioupdate.co.uk/on-the-move/health-company-ascenti-launches-major-recruitment-drive-for-physiotherapists-in-the-uk/

Author: Edited by Ian A McMillan
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