Exercise Referral Instructor

Job Purpose

To assess, plan and deliver personalised exercise referral programmes and specialist group exercise classes for adults referred with long-term health conditions. The role includes consultations, risk stratification, programme design, and delivery of condition‑specific sessions in line with national clinical guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out initial consultations with referred clients, including health screening and risk stratification;
• Design safe, progressive and personalised exercise programmes tailored to individual health needs;
• Gather necessary medical or additional information where required to ensure safe participation;
• Conduct periodic reviews and adjustments to programmes to support clients’ continued progress;
• Maintain participant confidentiality and follow data protection procedures.
• Deliver a range of specialist exercise classes for long-term health conditions including, where suitably qualified: Cardiac Rehabilitation, Stroke Rehabilitation, COPD, MS, Diabetes, Falls Prevention, Seated Exercise and other relevant classes;
• Provide clear instruction, supervision and adaptations to ensure safe participation;
• Monitor participants during activity and respond appropriately to any changes in health or wellbeing.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with medical professionals and referral partners;
• Liaise with colleagues across the Health & Wellbeing team to ensure high‑quality service delivery;
• Support the Exercise Referral Coordinator and Targeted Health & Wellbeing Manager in developing new specialist sessions.
• Complete risk assessments and ensure a safe exercise environment;
• Report equipment issues to the Fitness Centre Manager and ensure safe equipment use;
• Maintain participant confidentiality and follow data protection procedures.

General

a. Represent YMCA with professionalism and compassion, maintaining a positive and inclusive public image at all times b. Participate in supervision, appraisal and learning and development, taking responsibility for maintaining the knowledge and skills required for this role c. Take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others, reporting any risk promptly d. Work within YMCAES policies and adhere to the terms outlined within them

Key Working Relationships

Internal: • Exercise Referral Coordinator – line management, session planning guidance and priorities • Exercise Referral team – class cover, shared learning and operational coordination • Fitness & Reception teams – facility support and pathways into universal programmes • Targeted Health and Wellbeing Manager External: • Participants accessing specialist classes • Volunteers supporting exercise sessions • GP practices and medical professionals • Community health services and other referral partners

Scope of the Role and Limits of Authority

Specialist Resources: • Use of exercise referral equipment and specialist class resources Information and Communication Resources • Responsible for accurate completion of consultation forms, programme records and participant notes People Management • No line management responsibility; may support volunteers informally Legal Regulatory and compliance responsibility • Ensure compliance with Safeguarding legislation and organisational safeguarding policies and follow guidance from relevant regulatory bodies as required • Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and organisational data protection policies at all times

Person Specification

Essential Desirable Education and • Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification • Level 4 specialist qualification, Qualifications • Level 2 and 3 Fitness qualifications e.g. cardiac, pulmonary, mental health • First Aid and Defibrillator trained • Experience delivering exercise within an • Experience in rehabilitation exercise referral or clinical exercise setting or chronic disease Knowledge management classes and • Experience supporting individuals with • Experience working with Experience long‑term health conditions or additional needs adults with physical or • Understanding of motivational approaches and learning disabilities behaviour change principles

Key Skills and • Has the ability to use common digital

tools (Microsoft Office and relevant software) • Develops positive and respectful working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders • Communicates information clearly and appropriately for different audiences • Ability to work independently and use initiative • Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the s ervice

Personal Attributes • Commitment to equality, diversity and

inclusion in all aspects of work and understanding of how it applies to own role • Values collaboration and respect for different perspectives • Open to learning and continuous development

Other

Employee Declaration I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to the expectations outlined in this job description Name: Date: Signed: