Welcome to Hunter Gatherer Primary Care – specialist FCP recruitment across the UK.
We place First Contact Practitioners into GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks on both a locum and permanent basis. Whether you’re a PCN with an ARRS-funded FCP slot to fill or a practitioner looking for your next primary care role, we offer fast, compliant and genuinely personalised recruitment support.
Need support attracting top FCPs talent?
What is a First Contact Practitioner?
A First Contact Practitioner (FCP) is an advanced-level AHP working autonomously within GP practices and Primary Care Networks. FCPs assess, diagnose and manage patients – particularly those presenting with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions – without the need for a GP referral. They work at master’s level within their clinical scope and are trained to manage undifferentiated and complex presentations at the very first point of contact.
FCP roles in primary care are eligible for funding through NHS England’s Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), making them a cost-effective solution for PCNs looking to expand their clinical workforce and reduce GP workload.
Which Professions Can Work as FCPs?
While the majority of FCPs in primary care come from a physiotherapy background, the FCP role is open to several eligible AHP professions:
- MSK Physiotherapists – the most common FCP background; managing the full range of bone, joint and soft tissue presentations
- Paramedics – managing undifferentiated acute and urgent presentations
- Podiatrists – lower limb, foot and ankle MSK conditions
- Occupational Therapists – complex functional and MSK presentations, especially in frailty and long-term conditions
- Dietitians – nutritional and metabolic first contact roles within appropriate PCN frameworks
All FCPs must hold HCPC registration and have completed an approved FCP training programme or hold equivalent advanced practice competencies recognised by NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice.
Why PCNs and Practices Choose Hunter Gatherer for FCP Staffing:
- Primary care is all we do We don’t dabble in primary care on the side. It’s our entire focus. Our consultants understand PCN structures, ARRS funding requirements and the clinical expectations of FCP roles – so we match effectively, not just efficiently.
- Fully vetted and HCPC-verified Every FCP we place is verified for HCPC registration, DBS, advanced practice competencies, clinical references and mandatory training before we put their name forward.
- ARRS-eligible candidates We understand the ARRS framework and can help you identify candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for reimbursement, so you’re not left navigating that alone.
- Locum and permanent placements Need cover from next week? Looking to build a permanent FCP team within your PCN? We support both – with the same standards of compliance and candidate quality either way.
What FCPs Do in Primary Care:
FCPs working within GP practices and PCNs are responsible for:
- Autonomous assessment of patients presenting with MSK and other conditions at first point of contact
- Diagnosis and management without GP referral, including onward referral to secondary care or imaging when required
- Requesting and interpreting investigations (X-ray, blood tests, scans)
- Delivering evidence-based treatment and self-management advice
- Administering injections (where competency-verified)
- Contributing to PCN multidisciplinary team (MDT) working
- Reducing GP appointment demand and secondary care referral rates
- Supporting care home and frailty patients within the PCN caseload
The Business Case for FCPs in Your PCN:
FCPs are one of the most evidence-backed roles in the ARRS portfolio. Studies from NHS England pilots consistently showed significant reductions in GP appointments, secondary care referrals and MSK imaging requests – with savings running into the hundreds of thousands of pounds per PCN per year.
With ARRS funding available to reimburse FCP salaries, the cost-to-value argument is strong. Hunter Gatherer Primary Care helps you access the right candidates quickly, so you can get your FCP service up and running without delay.
Qualifications We Look For:
Every FCP we place holds:
- HCPC registration (active, no restrictions) in their eligible profession
- Completion of an NHS England-approved FCP training programme, or equivalent advanced practice competencies recognised by the Centre for Advancing Practice
- Minimum 3–5 years post-registration experience in a relevant clinical setting
- Strong autonomous MSK assessment and clinical reasoning skills
- Valid DBS, professional indemnity and up-to-date mandatory training
Locum FCP Opportunities:
Locum FCP work in primary care offers genuine variety, flexibility and competitive rates. Working across different PCNs and practices gives you exposure to diverse patient populations and MDT environments, while maintaining the autonomy that makes FCP roles so rewarding.
We work with PCNs and GP practices across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and beyond.
Find your next FCP job!
FCP Pay Rates & Salaries (2025/26):
-
Locum FCPs:£28 – £70 per hour. Rates vary depending on profession, location, experience and PCN. London and urgent cover roles typically attract higher rates. Our consultants can advise on going rates in your specific area.
-
Salaried FCPs:Most salaried FCP roles sit at NHS Agenda for Change Band 7 or Band 8a. Band 7 runs from £47,810 to £54,710 for 2025/26; Band 8a from £55,690 upwards. Lead FCP and Advanced Practice roles within PCNs can exceed this depending on scope and responsibility.
Career Pathway for FCPs:
Getting FCP-verified FCPs working towards formal recognition with NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice complete an approved training programme through one of the commissioned Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). This typically requires a minimum of Level 6 prior education and 3–5 years post-registration experience.
Career progression
- Band 6 – developing FCP, building advanced MSK assessment competencies in primary care
- Band 7 – verified FCP, autonomous first contact role, full MSK caseload
- Band 8a – Advanced Practice Physiotherapist / lead FCP, clinical supervision, service leadership
- Band 8b+ – consultant and strategic leadership roles within PCN and ICS frameworks
Many FCPs use locum primary care work to build confidence and clinical breadth before securing a permanent role. Others build long-term locum careers across multiple PCNs for the flexibility it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do FCPs have to be physiotherapists? No – while MSK physiotherapists make up the majority of FCPs in primary care, the role is open to paramedics, podiatrists, occupational therapists and dietitians who meet the advanced practice competency requirements.
Are FCP roles funded through ARRS? Yes. FCP roles are one of the eligible additional roles under NHS England’s Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), which reimburses PCNs for the cost of employing FCPs and other AHPs. We can help you identify ARRS-eligible candidates.
What experience does a locum FCP need? At minimum, we look for HCPC registration, 3–5 years post-registration experience in an MSK or relevant clinical setting, and evidence of advanced practice competencies. For Band 7 and 8a roles, verified FCP status or equivalent advanced practice qualification is typically required.
Can you place FCPs at short notice? Yes. Once a practitioner is registered and compliant with us, we can mobilise quickly for urgent cover. Contact us directly with your requirement and we’ll respond same day where possible.
What areas do you cover? We place FCPs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and beyond.
Your future starts here!
Discover our latest opportunities or register with us today to unlock your potential!
Testimonials:
Latest Jobs
-
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Are you a Band 5/6 (or equivalent) Inpatient Mental Health Occupational Therapist looking for a rewarding locum role in Scotland? We have an exciting opportunity […]View Mental Health Occupational Therapist job -
Pharmacist – Band 8a – West London – Wards
Are you a Band 8a Pharmacist looking for a rewarding locum role in Mental Health? We have an exciting hospital-based opportunity in West London with […]View Pharmacist – Band 8a – West London – Wards job