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Fitness Instructor

Colchester, CO4 5HF
£27,050 per year
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This vacancy has expired.

About the role

Overview

Colchester, CO4 5HF
Full Time
£27,050 per year
13 March 2025

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen at Cygnet Hospital Colchester for a trained Fitness Instructor to work across the hospital delivering patient-centred individual and group activity and fitness programmes both within the hospital and in the local community.

Cygnet Hospital Colchester is a 69 bedded hospital in the independent sector delivering care to males with mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism.

This is a 37.5 hours per week role, which will involve working a mix of days, evenings and weekends which gives the successful applicant an opportunity for flexible working.

The role will provide opportunities for further training and development.

So if you are passionate about ensuring those with mental health problems and learning disabilities have access to excellent physical health and fitness support and want to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

The post holder will:

Be an experienced or newly qualified trainer with at least Level 2 Certificate in fitness instructing (awarded by Active IQ, City & Guilds, CYQ and VTCT) or OCR Level 2 Certificate in teaching exercise and fitness
Work collaboratively with the Heads of Service and Multi-disciplinary teams across the Hospital to deliver needs led and patient-centred  activity and fitness provision to the patient group
Be skilled at motivating people with compassion to engage in exercise in order to support their physical and mental health
Design and deliver an inclusive and responsive exercise service that has the flexibility to meet the needs and capitalise on the strengths of the people in the hospital
Work alongside the physical health nurse, OT and therapies team
Empower your clients to reach their health & fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle
Attend supervision and training as required by your line manager, both to support and educate you on your career development

We are looking for people who have…

Have previous experience of working as a Fitness Instructor.
Preferably have experience in working with people who have mental health problems/ learning disabilities
Highly organised, with a positive attitude
Proactive ability to problem solve
A confident facilitator of activities in this field
Knowledgeable of suitable activities & pastimes to support mental health service users both Adults and Young People
Positive in your approach to working with challenging behaviours 
Experienced in planning, resourcing & carrying out events & activities
Ability to be flexible in approach to aid motivation

In return we will offer you:

Supervision & peer support
Opportunities for learning & development
Employee Discount Scheme
Company pension scheme
Health Cash Plan
Free lunch while on duty
Free parking
For further details on all our benefits, please visit https://cygnetjobs.co.uk/benefits/

Successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits & Rewards

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Group Pension

We’ll look after you beyond Cygnet by helping you save for your future with a pension scheme. Cygnet provides a monthly contribution into your pot for every month you actively pay in.

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Free Mortgage Broker & Insurance Cover

Cygnet understands that buying a home is probably the biggest and most important financial decision for most of us. As a result we have partnered with L&C to offer free mortgage advice, free insurance cover and receive a voucher on completion of your mortgage

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Enhanced Maternity

In addition to statutory pay, Cygnet provides enhanced maternity pay.

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Free Life Assurance Cover

Cygnet provides a Group Life assurance scheme which pays out a lump sum benefit to your family or next of kin in the event of your death whilst employed by Cygnet.

Plan your commute

Cygnet Hospital Colchester

Colchester
London & South East
CO4 5HF
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Our application process

Application Submission
01
Step 1

Application Submission

Your application is received and reviewed by our recruitment team.
Automated Confirmation
02
Step 2

Automated Confirmation

You’ll receive an automated email confirming receipt of your application.
Application Review
03
Step 3

Application Review

We carefully review applications, considering factors like visa status, location, and experience.
Initial Screening
04
Step 4

Initial Screening

If your application is suitable, you’ll be contacted by the recruiter to arrange a telephone screening call.
Interview
05
Step 5

Interview

If you meet the screening criteria, you’ll be invited for an interview, which normally takes place in person at the site you’re applying to.
Feedback and Offer
06
Step 6

Feedback and Offer

Following the interview, you’ll receive feedback, and if successful, a verbal job offer that will be followed up with a written job offer and onboarding information.

Support for Your Job Application

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Stories from our staff
Quote marks
Cygnet colleagues providing Support
Cygnet have been amazing with the supervision and support from my manager. They helped me identify my skill set to work on my strengths and weaknesses.
Cygnet recognition
Cygnet recognised my study achievements at the Staff Achievement Awards where I was a finalist for learner of the year
Cygnet employee training on site
At Cygnet I have been able to develop and grow while learning new skills

88% of staff enjoy working for Cygnet

At Cygnet, you’ll work in incredible, inspiring teams and enjoy satisfying careers with plenty of opportunities to grow

One of our happy staff members
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90% of staff said training has helped them in their role

No matter what your role is, we invest in your learning and development to help you achieve your career aspirations.

Learning and development
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Colleague to colleague endorsements

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Martin

Activity Coordinator
Recognised for
Passion

Martin has been with Cygnet over 5 years and shines in his AC role. He supports patients with care, handled a traumatic event with calm professionalism, and brings joy through initiatives like the Lego club. His emotional intelligence, teamwork, and quiet confidence make a real impact. Thank you, Martin—you’re a star!

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Amarachi

Support Worker
Recognised for
Support

Amarachi calmly and confidently supported a distressed individual, ensuring safety for all despite not being their allocated staff. He stepped in for the day, showing deep empathy and care. His dedication and support were greatly appreciated by both the individual and the team. Amarachi’s compassion truly made a difference.

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Chloe

Forensic Psychologist
Recognised for
Support

Chloe has stepped up into a senior role with grace, supporting the psychology team beyond expectations. Despite a heavier workload, she continues to share her knowledge generously and uplift those around her. We’re lucky to have her—thank you, Chloe, for your dedication and leadership!

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Eve

Support Worker
Recognised for
Passion

Eve passionately motivates residents to engage in community activities like day trips, swimming, and meals out. She plans with staff and encourages daily involvement, boosting residents’ mood and confidence. Her support helps residents feel empowered and return from outings feeling positive and fulfilled.

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Georgia

Activity Coordinator
Recognised for
Hard Work

Thank you for your thoughtful email and for sharing such helpful insights on the activity planners at Nightingale. It was a pleasure meeting you—your passion and dedication to creating meaningful experiences for young adults with disabilities truly shine. Your hard work is seen, valued, and appreciated. You’re making a real impact!

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Joy

Team Leader
Recognised for
Support

Joy showed incredible strength and compassion during a resident’s crisis, staying extra hours and using therapeutic care to ensure comfort. Despite the trauma, she remained steady and supportive. Thanks to her dedication, the resident has fully recovered. Joy truly exemplifies what it means to be a support worker.

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Tobi

Support Worker
Recognised for
Fun

Tobi brought joy to residents by organizing a vibrant African Themed Day at Beckly, filled with music, food, decorations, and laughter. Her creativity, care, and dedication made the event unforgettable. Thanks to her passion, the home came alive—her efforts truly deserve recognition.

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Panka

Assistant Psychologist
Recognised for
Resilince

Panka receives high praise for her compassion, impactful sessions, and flexibility. She’s described as the best therapist by a service user and is a true team player, balancing psychology service promotion with wider hospital support. Her dedication shone during the transition to a new psychologist—thank you, Panka!

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Julie

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

Julie goes above and beyond, taking initiative to support residents’ health and wellbeing. She acted swiftly to address weight concerns and reintroduced meaningful activities, helping a resident visit the supermarket for arts and crafts—her first since Covid. We’re proud to have Julie on our team. Thank you for your dedication!

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Danielle

Senior Nurse HC
Recognised for
Resilince

Danielle has stepped up as senior nurse, supporting the unit in the Clinical Manager’s absence. Despite a busy schedule, she always makes time for staff and patients, staying calm and composed through challenges. Her resilience and soothing presence uplift everyone—her dedication truly stands out!

Click here to apply for a life changing career

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Speculative candidates or CVs sent to Cygnet by recruitment agencies/headhunters will be treated as a “free of charge” gesture. For further clarification, email recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk
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