Our volunteers are at the heart of Physio First. They’re practising physiotherapists who give their time to connect with members, share knowledge, and guide our organisation in representing private physiotherapy. From our Community Representatives to our Executive Committee, each plays a part in shaping our services and championing evidence-based practice. Here, you can meet the people behind the roles — the faces, experience, and passion that drive our community
"Too busy to volunteer? That might be exactly why you should."
Many members tell us they’d love to get involved but don’t have the time. The reality? Volunteering with Physio First isn’t about clocking up hours — it’s about building connections, sharing experience, and shaping the future of private physiotherapy in ways that work around you.
Think of it less as “giving up time” and more as gaining:
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A network of like-minded colleagues to share challenges and ideas
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Opportunities to influence and support the profession you care about
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Fresh perspectives that can inspire and energise your practice
Whether you can offer an occasional contribution or take on a regular role, your involvement matters
►Physio First volunteers are qualified physiotherapists who support the organisation through governance, member support, advocacy, and promotion of private practice. Volunteer roles are not clinical placements or shadowing opportunities
Meet our Executive Committee
Katie Knapton
Katie is a chartered physiotherapist with over 30 years of musculoskeletal experience within the NHS and latterly in her own private practice in West Sussex.
Based in London, trained at Kings College then spent 2 years at Guys Hospital after which Katie specialised at St. Georges Hospital Tooting for 9 years working alongside Orthopaedic Consultants, running a team of physiotherapist in the busy hospital clinic setting.
Katie has been in private practice since 2002, is passionate about quality and ensuring people receiving accurate information about their specific conditions to determine the best course of management for optimal recovery.
She became our Physio First Chair during the 2024 AGM, and has been re-elected in 2026.
- Email:
- chairman@physiofirst.org.uk
Liz (Elizabeth) Palmer
Liz has been a member of Physio First since 1990 when she first started in private practice. She qualified From Guys Hospital in 1979 and has worked in hospitals in South Africa and Norwich. In 1998, Liz established Park Physiotherapy in Norfolk where she currently works, from her purpose-built clinic.
In 2014 Liz became the alternate regional officer for East Anglia before taking over as the regional officer. During that time Liz also become involved with our research and development committee and she resigned from the regional officer role in 2019 to take on the role of our Hon Research and Development Officer in 2020 because, as she says "I am passionate about the benefits of private practice, and working with the Data for Impact project gives me the opportunity to be part of facilitating how we measure our effectiveness as clinicians."
Liz has a special interest in treating migraine headaches and tinnitus and, in 2014 she completed a master’s degree in Advanced MSK Research and Practice at the University of East Anglia with her final dissertation on the physiotherapy treatment of cervicogenic headaches.
- Email:
- info@hq.physiofirst.org.uk
Jill Drew
Jill has been a Physio First member 1999. She works as a sole practitioner in her own practice in Warwickshire, specialising in the treatment of upper limb and spinal disorders including post operative rehabilitation. Jill is also a qualified acupuncturist.
She has been a Quality Assured practitioner since 2016 and a Quality Assured Clinic since 2020.
Jill has always enjoyed and valued being a member of the Physio First family and in particular has found the business guidance given over the last 24 months invaluable.
Richard Hulbert
Richard is a physiotherapist with 20 years experience, almost exclusively in private practice. He qualified from the University of Bradford in 2006 at a time when junior physio jobs in the NHS were as scarce as they are now in 2026.
Richard ended up starting his career working part time in professional sport and part time in private practice. Only a couple of years after qualifying he went into private practice full time. He runs his clinic out of a commercial gym across 2 locations with a clinical team of 3 physiotherapists.
He is passionate about the personalised, individualised care that private practice can provide to patients of all ages and has been a member of Physio First since 2008, previously serving on the executive committee for 2 terms as membership officer.
Clare Gibson
A physiotherapist first and foremost, I’ve built a career that bridges clinical practice and education. As a sole practitioner based in Teddington, I work within a close-knit local community with a particular focus on supporting runners, helping people manage everyday musculoskeletal challenges and stay active in ways that matter to them.
Alongside clinical work, I am an Associate Professor in Physiotherapy and an education consultant for the CSP. My academic role has included developing and leading undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy programmes, as well as teaching and assessing new graduates in MSK practice. Supporting the next generation of physiotherapists, from classroom to clinic is a part of my work I find especially rewarding.
Bringing together hands-on clinical experience, business ownership, and higher education leadership allows me to offer a broad and balanced perspective. I hope this combined insight will support the continued growth, relevance, and practical value of the Physio First In Touch journal for clinicians working across diverse settings.
Carys Roberts
Carys Roberts is the owner and Clinical Director of Swan Physio in Keele, Staffordshire, providing Physiotherapy, Pilates, Yoga and multidisciplinary rehabilitation services. With experience in the NHS and elite sport, including Stoke City Football Club, she is strongly committed to physiotherapy education. Through her Cygnets Placements & Training work with universities nationally, Carys leads innovative student and new‑graduate development pathways that enhance clinical learning and strengthen the future workforce. She completed her MSc in Physiotherapy in 2014 in association with the Football Association and has been a Physio First member since 2018. Outside work, she enjoys swimming, gym classes and Pilates.
David Barrow
From the NHS to the Ministry of Defence and professional sport, David’s physiotherapy journey is as diverse as it is inspiring.
Now combining his clinical expertise with cutting-edge digital innovation at Rehab Guru, David is helping to shape tools that transform how physios work, and how patients recover.
He still works clinically and is an active part of our Physio First community, sharing his insight, energy, and passion for progress.
Jacqui Webb
Jacqui joined as a member of our office team in 2009 since when she has worked in our accounts department, supporting all aspects of our financial operation.
In 2016, Jacqui stepped into the Treasurers role after over 6 years of first-hand knowledge of Physio First's accounts.
She has over 25 years of accounting experience working within various industries.
Meet our Community Reps
Amanda Marsh
Amanda has over 30 years physiotherapy experience, in the NHS rising to Superintendent Physio at London’s Guys & St Thomas’s Hospital; and in private practice in the UK and Australia.
She is a sports and orthopaedic specialist, completing a post graduate qualification in sports specific physiotherapy in 1997.
She is caring and passionate about her profession, committed to keeping up to date with latest developments in physiotherapy and has held a position on the executive board of Physio First – the organisation representing Private Physiotherapy in the UK. (www.physiofirst.org.uk)
She treats the whole person, often discussing life issues impacting on pain and disability, anything from improving dietary health to coping with the menopause.
Sporty in early life, hockey, tennis and javelin throwing, Amanda now teaches Pilates 1:1 on her Allegro 2 Reformer, the best reformer currently on the market.
She is born and bred in Marlborough and proud of the clinic she leads, offering excellence in physiotherapy and well-being healthcare right in the heart of her local community.
Jenny Heron
Jenny has been a member of Physio First since she started her own practice, Physiofit Leeds in 2000. She became more aware of all the benefits that Physio First can offer during the COVID pandemic when the regular updates, interpreting guidance from the CSP and Public Health England, were invaluable in navigating her private practice through those difficult few years. Since then she has joined many of the community meetings on Zoom, and started as a volunteer in April 2023, after attending the Physio First meeting and Skills Exchange for the first time.
Physiofit Leeds, is based in north Leeds, and combines physiotherapy clinics with Pilates and rehabilitation exercise classes. Jenny has a background in sport having worked in professional rugby in the past, but now prefers general musculoskeletal physiotherapy and supporting women through pregnancy and the post natal period. She mentors the team of Pilates Instructors at Physiofit, and works with Modern Pilates and Physiofit Education as a tutor and course developer.
Jenny is a keen runner and cyclist and is trying to improve her swimming and hopes to combine them all with triathlons.
Jo Kingston
Jo has been working in Private Practice since 1996, initially as a sole trader, and now as JK Physiotherapy Ltd, a 2 site practice in Kent and West Sussex.
Jo trained at Kings College and worked in the NHS for 10 years, before moving first into part time private work in a Private Hospital before committing solely to her own business.
Jo spent her earlier years working with elite hockey players, and gained Post Grad Qualifications in Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy.
Jo has been a member of PhysioFirst since starting in private work in 1997 and has found the support, knowledge and guidance invaluable, successfully supporting her over the years whilst juggling the role of lead clinician and business owner. She is passionate about promoting the quality and depth of treatment and care Physiotherapists can offer in the private sector, and how this leads to happy patients, a successful business and incredible job satisfaction.
Jo has always played a mix of sports, but now when not at work, golf is her passion and stress reliever!
Jo has served as a Community Representative since 2023
Jo Turner
Jo, a multifaceted professional dedicated to health and well-being. As a Life Coach, founder of Mehab, and host of the You Matter podcast, she champions thoughtful and sustainable healthcare delivery. Jo is also a seasoned Physiotherapist and serves as the Director of Courtyard Clinic. With a deep belief in the value of clinicians and the importance of self-care, Jo's work centers on empowering healthcare professionals to prioritize their own well-being while caring for others. Through Mehab, she provides a platform dedicated to supporting clinicians in their journey to holistic health. Welcome to the team, Jo.
Kenny Cross
Kenny is a Manager and owner of Ascent Physio and Massage based in Falkirk. He has over 29 years' experience as a physiotherapist and has been a member of Physio First since 2004.
Kenny has a special interest in sports injuries and manual therapy assessment, and has worked as Head Physiotherapist for Falkirk Football Club for six and a half years. He served as an Regional Officer for the Scottish region since 2017. This role underwent a name change to Community Representative in January 2022.
The Alternate position is currently vacant, are you interested?
Contact to Kenny Cross, or contact our office team on 01604 684960 or email minerva@physiofirst.org.uk
Details:
Kenny Cross, MCSP
Ascent Physio and Massages, 81-83 Mary Street, Laurieston, Falkirk, FK2 9PR
Telephone: 01324 630888 or 07967 446356
Email: scotland@physiofirst.org.uk
Louisa-Anne Houseman
Hello, my name is Louisa-Anne and I have been working as a physio for over 22 years. I live in Oxfordshire with my husband and two children, one in year 8 and one in year 4 and my Red Fox Labrador, Jake.
Out of work I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending time with the children. During the summer months I spend most of my time coaching cricket with my level 2 qualification, coaching all ages from reception to under 15’s, which I very much enjoy.
Paul Gibson
Paul qualified with a degree in Physiotherapy from East London University, having previously studied Sports Sciences at Brunel University. After gaining three and half years’ valuable and varied experience at Mount Vernon Hospital, he moved into the private sector.
As a physiotherapist experienced in assessing, managing, and treating a large variety of musculoskeletal conditions, Paul specialises in sports injuries, spinal, knee and shoulder problems, and has an interest in biomechanical assessment of the foot and post-operative rehabilitation. He has been a member of Physio First since 2011. He has served as an Regional Officer for North West Met region since 2016. This role underwent a name change to Community Representative in January 2022.
The Alternate position is currently vacant, are you interested?
Speak to Paul Gibson (above), or contact our office team on 01604 684960 or email minerva@physiofirst.org.uk
Details:
Paul Gibson, MCSP
Ruislip Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, 15 West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 6JE
Telephone: 01895638841
Email: nw.met@physiofirst.org.uk
Sean Case
Sean, a passionate physiotherapist with extensive experience. Graduating from Southampton University in 2001, he specialized in neurological rehabilitation before transitioning to musculoskeletal (MSK) care. With an MSc in MSK and various certifications, Sean runs a successful clinic in Storrington, West Sussex, alongside his NHS role. He's particularly interested in manual therapy, communication skills, and patient-centred care. Sean is actively involved with Physio First and enjoys volunteering to connect practitioners. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities and has a growing interest in fitness training adaptation for older individuals."
This version provides key details about Sean's education, experience, interests, and involvement with Physio First, while being more concise and suitable for a website's "Meet the Team" section.
Shirley-Ann Walters
A member since 1992, Shirley-Ann started attending the Physio First drop-in sessions during lockdown, appreciating the connections and potential for supporting one another, whilst embracing our similarities and differences, and representing the wider membership with openness, integrity, and understanding.
Practicing MSK physiotherapy for over 30 years, Shirley-Ann is dedicated to supporting people to receive the realisations that lead to self-care, consider the wider factors contributing to injury, facilitate healing and prevention and the return to life’s flow, using listening, expression and effective practical physiotherapy.
Shirley-Ann qualified from The Middlesex Hospital London, worked in the NHS, then in a group private practice before joining BMI Runnymede Hospital and becoming the physiotherapy manager. She started her own practice in Ascot, and in 2011 moved to a designated treatment room at home in Lightwater, Surrey, where she practices today.
Shirley-Ann has served as a Community Representative since 2023
Susannah Solt
Susannah qualified with a first class Honours degree in Physiotherapy from Manchester University in 1994. She initially worked for the NHS in central London, gaining experience in many aspects of health care, before moving into private practice in Kent.
Having set up Active Now Physiotherapy, Susannah moved her practice to Warwick in 2007.
Between 1998 and 2000 Susannah worked as a physiotherapist with the British Para Equestrian Team, and she has worked as a National Classifier for Disabled Sport.
Susannah has been a member of Physio First since November 1998. She served as an Alternate for the Midlands region for a year before assuming the position of Midlands Regional Officer in 2015. This role underwent a name change to Community Representative in January 2022.
Details:
Susannah Solt, MCSP
Active Now Physiotherapy, Turkey Farm House, Beausale Lane, Hatton, Warwick, Warwickshire CV35 7PE
Telephone: 01926 800101
Email: midlands@physiofirst.org.uk
The role of our Community Representatives
Become a Physio First Community Representative – Help Shape the Future of Private Physiotherapy
Our Community Representatives play a crucial role in shaping the future of private physiotherapy. They connect directly with members to understand what matters most to you, and they ensure your feedback is passed on to our executive committee. This creates a valuable two-way conversation, keeping you informed about the latest developments and giving you a voice in the future of Physio First.
What does a Community Representative do?
As a Community Representative, you’ll be part of a dynamic group engaging with members through Zoom, email, phone, and social media. You may also be asked to offer additional support or advice on specific member queries directed to you from our office. Plus, you’ll help facilitate regular Zoom meetings on topics such as case studies, peer support, and market trends, designed to support the growth and success of private physiotherapists.
Community Representatives meet two to three times a year, either virtually or in person, to discuss how we can better support our members. You’ll also have the chance to attend Physio First committee meetings, where you’ll engage with our executive and volunteer teams, participate in discussions, and contribute to decisions that directly impact our profession. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take part in shaping our profession, addressing challenges, and identifying new opportunities.
Why get involved?
By becoming a Community Representative, you’ll not only be a vital part of the Physio First team, but you’ll also gain valuable experience. It’s an excellent way to develop new skills in business, decision-making, and leadership. You’ll also deepen your knowledge of private practice both nationally and internationally—all while making a real difference in your community.
Interested in joining?
If you’re passionate about getting more involved in the running of Physio First, or if you’d like an informal chat about how you can help shape the future and be the voice of our members, please get in touch.
Contact Lucinda Brock, our Hon Community Representative Lead, at ro.rep@physiofirst.org.uk, or reach out to Katie Knapton, our Chair, at chair@physiofirst.org.uk.
Together, we can continue to grow and support private physiotherapists across the UK!