Physical Activity Specialist

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Physical Activity Specialist to join our Physical Activity Team within the wider Health Improvement Service. The team plays a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of North Somerset residents by increasing participation in physical activity, with a particular focus on communities and population groups that experience lower levels of activity and greater health inequalities.

In this role, you will play a key part in designing, coordinating and delivering programmes that encourage physical activity and healthier lifestyles. You will work collaboratively with council teams, health professionals, VCSE organisations and a wide range of partners to help reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing across North Somerset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Increase physical activity levels and improve health outcomes across North Somerset as outlined in Get Active – a physical activity strategy for North Somerset.
• Develop and deliver evidence-based physical activity programmes that reduce health inequalities (local project examples include Health Walks, Park Play, Steps to Get Active, Physical Activity Fund).
• Build strong partnerships with health, community and voluntary sector organisations.
• Use data and insight to shape physical activity-based services and demonstrate impact.
• Provide specialist advice, physical activity training and support to key stakeholders and volunteers (local training examples include Health Walk volunteer leader training and Raising Awareness of Physical Activity workshops).
• Ensure high-quality, sustainable delivery of physical activity initiatives and campaigns.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 1 day in the office or at another location (based on the meeting/activity location)
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about physical activity and reducing health inequalities, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Level 4 qualification relevant to physical activity, health improvement, or equivalent vocational qualifications with identifiable transferrable skills
• Sound understanding of implementing effective population and community-based physical activity and/or health improvement interventions and the standards, legal responsibilities, work practices and processes relevant to the role.
• Experience of supervising/managing others, including volunteers / work experience students
• Direct experience of designing and delivering physical activity or health improvement focussed training

Desirable Criteria:

• National Governing Body, Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)and other physical activity / sport / exercise qualifications
• Understanding of the wider public health context and health inequalities
• Good understanding of national and local public health policy

This post is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Rebecca Stathers, Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles Manager at Rebecca.stathers@n-somerset.gov.uk

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Monday 11 January 2027.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.