The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Science & Medicine Department aims to “Optimise the availability and performance of England’s best players through the provision of cricket’s best science and medicine services.”

As part of this drive, the ECB is seeking applications from experienced Physiotherapists within sport. Directly accountable to the National Lead Physiotherapist, the post holder will be responsible for the integrated support for the England Women’s Performance Squad (EWPS), England Women’s Academy and England Women’s Development Program. The role will report directly to the Women’s & Girls’ High Performance Manager regarding the delivery of physiotherapy services to the England Women’s Cricket Pathway.

You will need high quality clinical skills and experience in the provision of Physiotherapy to elite athletes / high performing teams. Previous experience working within cricket is desirable. The successful applicant should have a proven track record of developing practitioners and working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

You must have qualification and registration as a Chartered Physiotherapist, and preferably a post-graduate qualification in Sports Physiotherapy / Sports and Exercise Medicine. Your commitment must be flexible towards work schedules and you must be willing to travel extensively abroad and within the UK.

The post holder will based at the National Cricket Performance Centre (NCPC) in Loughborough University.

Due to the requirements of this role and the responsibilities assigned to the post holder, successful applicants will undergo a screening process that will include an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent appointment.

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 7 November 2014

Interview Date: Friday 14 November 2014 at the National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough University, LE11 3TU

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB     

To manage and provide the Physiotherapy service for the England Women’s Performance Squad (EWPS), England Women’s Academy and England Women’s Development Program within the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Science and Medicine (S&M) team. 

The leadership, management and clinical practice elements of the role will be focused on establishing and sustaining a competitive advantage for the England Women’s Cricket Pathway (EWCP) through innovative programs that ensure England players are the best prepared in world cricket.

The EWP Physiotherapist is accountable to the National Lead for Physiotherapy and will report directly to the Women’s & Girls’ High Performance Manager regarding the delivery of physiotherapy services to the EWP.

The normal place of work is ECB National Cricket Performance Centre (NCPC) at Loughborough University, however frequent travel to other regions of the UK and abroad will be required.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To provide and support Physiotherapy services to all of the England Women’s Cricket Pathway programs with reference to world’s best practice in cricket.

To act as the primary Physiotherapist to the England Women’s Academy and England Women’s Development squads for training, camps and competitive series. This may involve extended periods of travel, both within the UK and abroad. It will also require extended hours of work including weekends, evenings and Public Holidays.

Lead the EWCP Physiotherapy team and in conjunction with the S&M team and England Team Coaches develop and execute integrated injury and illness (“Injury” henceforth) prevention and management programs.

As the primary practitioner for the England Women’s Pathway:

• Communicate all relevant injury issues and management plans immediately to the Head Coach of the relevant squad
• All injuries to England Women senior players that prevent the player from fully participating in play, practice or training will be accurately assessed and -the findings communicated EWCP Medical Officer as deemed appropriate
• Discuss, devise and communicate a plan for the management of any significant injuries within 48 hours of the injury being reported
• Discuss and agree with the injured player, the management plan and logistics regarding attendance for consultations
• Monitor and review the program of treatment, with the EWCP Medical Officer if deemed necessary, considering the injured player’s progress. Recommend changes in the course of treatment and the provider if not satisfied with the quality of care or progress at any stage.
• Line manage and support the England Women’s Team Physiotherapist with their role with the England Senior Women’s team.
• Manage and quality assure any consultant Physiotherapists working with the EWP.
• Contribute to the monthly EWPS Fitness Report which updates the injury and fitness status which will be distributed to the EWPS Coaching staff and S&M team
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records on all players on the ECB’s central medical database Performance Profiler.
• Lead and develop the Injury Surveillance program for the EWCP including data analysis and report production
• Lead and develop Player Profiling for all EWCP squads in conjunction with the EWP S&M team.
• Liaise closely with the National Lead of Physiotherapy and be prepared to undertake any other duties.
• Provide relevant information to the EWCP Media Relations Manager for the preparation of media statements regarding injured players. The EWCP Lead Physiotherapist will not directly answer media questions nor make (official or unofficial) statements to the media relating to injured players
• Undertake appropriate continuing professional development to keep abreast of world’s best practice relevant to cricket

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB

Job Context

The aim of the ECB Science and Medicine team is to establish and sustain a competitive advantage for the England Women’s Cricket Team through innovative programs that ensure England players are the best prepared in world cricket.

The EWP Physiotherapist is responsible for the delivery of integrated physiotherapy services to the EWCP across all squads.

Working Relationships:

• Women’s & Girls’ High Performance Manager
• Head of England Women’s Performance
• EWP Coaching staff
• England and EWP Science and Medicine Team including Medical Officers, S&C Coach and Psychologist
• England Women’s Team Physiotherapist
• National Lead Physiotherapist
• Head of Science and Medicine
• Chief Medical Officer
• National Lead Specialist Coaches
• England Women’s Academy and England Women’s Development Program Players

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Qualification as a Physiotherapist and current registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)
• Experience of working in elite sport and interdisciplinary Science and Medicine team
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Current Advanced Life Support training
• Full Driving Licence 

Desirable:

• Post-graduate qualifications relating to Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation
• Experience in management of a Physiotherapy or S&M team
• Experience in travelling with an elite sporting team
• Computer literacy, including MS Office and performance analysis software

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive.  It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation.