Securing a Band 6 Senior Physiotherapist role within the NHS is a significant career milestone. This role not only comes with increased clinical responsibility but also leadership, mentoring, and service development duties. As a Band 6, you’re expected to demonstrate clinical expertise, manage complex patient caseloads, and supervise junior staff while working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
The typical salary for a Band 6 NHS physiotherapist in 2025 ranges from £35,392 to £42,618 annually, depending on experience and location (with higher pay in high-cost areas like London). Alongside this competitive salary, the role offers excellent pension benefits, continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, and the chance to impact patients’ lives on a larger scale.
To help you prepare effectively, here are 20 NHS Band 6 interview questions with high-quality sample answers tailored specifically for senior physiotherapy candidates.
Can you describe your experience with managing a complex caseload?
Sample Answer: In my current role, I manage patients with complex neurological conditions. I prioritise care using the RAG system, involve MDTs for holistic input, and use outcome measures like the Berg Balance Scale and 10MWT to track progress. My documentation ensures continuity of care and safe discharge planning.
How do you ensure evidence-based practice in your treatments?
Sample Answer: I subscribe to the CSP and regularly review journals like Physiotherapy Journal. I also use NICE guidelines and Cochrane Reviews when updating treatment protocols. Recently, I incorporated new stroke rehab strategies after attending a webinar on constraint-induced movement therapy.
What strategies do you use to mentor junior staff or students?
Sample Answer: I apply the GROW model to guide learning goals. I provide weekly supervision, use reflective practice tools, and promote a safe learning environment. Feedback from students has highlighted my approachable style and constructive support.
How would you handle a conflict with a colleague in a multidisciplinary team?
Sample Answer: I would approach the situation calmly and privately, aiming for an open discussion to understand their perspective. If needed, I’d involve a neutral senior or HR. Maintaining professionalism and focusing on patient care is always my priority.
Tell us about a time you improved a service or introduced a new idea.
Sample Answer: I led a pilot project introducing a community-based falls prevention class. Using feedback and pre/post intervention scores, we demonstrated reduced re-referral rates by 25%, leading to permanent implementation.
How do you manage time effectively when under pressure?
Sample Answer: I triage daily tasks using the Eisenhower matrix, delegate when appropriate, and communicate expected delays. I also review caseloads weekly to preemptively manage potential bottlenecks.
How do you ensure patient-centered care?
Sample Answer: I start by understanding patient goals through shared decision-making. I involve family when appropriate and tailor care to cultural and emotional needs. For example, I once adapted a rehab plan around prayer times for a devout patient.
Describe how you deal with safeguarding concerns.
Sample Answer: I follow Trust policy: immediate documentation, inform safeguarding lead, and ensure the patient is safe without confrontation. I once escalated a concern involving suspected elder neglect, which resulted in a timely social services intervention.
What clinical areas are you strongest in?
Sample Answer: My clinical strengths lie in neurorehabilitation and respiratory physiotherapy. I’m confident with manual airway clearance, tracheostomy care, and also in post-stroke upper limb rehab using task-specific training.
How do you maintain your professional development?
Sample Answer: I maintain a CPD portfolio, attend quarterly workshops, and have completed my Bobath Introductory Course. I also recently presented at a regional physio conference on post-COVID rehab strategies.
What outcome measures do you routinely use?
Sample Answer: Depending on caseload, I use the TUG, 6MWT, Barthel Index, and patient-specific functional scale. These tools help inform progress and guide MDT discharge planning.
How would you handle a patient refusing physiotherapy?
Sample Answer: I’d explore their concerns empathetically, educate them on benefits vs. risks, and respect autonomy. In one case, after building rapport, a stroke survivor who initially declined therapy agreed to light bedside exercises.
What would you do if you noticed a junior staff member making a clinical error?
Sample Answer: I would discreetly address it immediately to ensure patient safety, then use it as a learning opportunity with supervision and support. I’d also document the incident and inform a senior if necessary.
How do you adapt communication for different patients?
Sample Answer: I use Teach Back methods, visual aids, and interpreters when needed. For patients with aphasia, I use gestures and communication boards to support understanding.
How do you contribute to clinical audit?
Sample Answer: I recently led a departmental audit on mobility aid prescription accuracy. Findings led to an updated checklist, which improved compliance by 35% over 3 months.
How do you handle service pressures like discharge targets?
Sample Answer: I balance efficiency with safety, coordinate closely with discharge teams, and escalate delays proactively. I also prioritise early mobilisation to reduce LOS.
Why do you want to work in this Trust?
Sample Answer: Your Trust has a strong focus on innovation and patient safety. I’m particularly drawn to your integrated community rehab pathways, which align with my interests in continuity of care.
What would you do in your first month as a Band 6 here?
Sample Answer: I would shadow team members to understand systems, review local policies, set clinical supervision goals, and identify quick wins in service efficiency.
Describe your leadership style.
Sample Answer: I use a coaching leadership style—supportive but clear in expectations. I foster autonomy, encourage reflection, and always advocate for high clinical standards.
Do you have any questions for us?
Recommended Response: Yes—can you describe the mentorship opportunities available for Band 6s here? Also, how do you support staff wellbeing during periods of high demand?
Final Words: Interview Preparation Tips and Encouragement
Stepping into a Band 6 Senior Physiotherapist role is both an exciting challenge and a chance to lead with purpose. Confidence comes from preparation—practise your answers, study the Trust’s values, and align your experiences with the NHS Core Values. Don’t forget the basics: dress professionally, arrive early, bring a copy of your CV, and ask insightful questions at the end of the interview.
Remember: the panel wants you to succeed. You’ve earned this opportunity through hard work—now show them why you’re ready to make a bigger impact.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
