Health navigator

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Health navigator

Also known as: Community health and wellbeing adviser, active health coach, health and wellbeing support worker, health and community navigator

A health navigator helps adults improve their health and wellbeing by encouraging physical activity and supporting healthier lifestyle choices. They work within the sport and physical activity sector, often in community or leisure settings, and are part of the wider public health workforce. Their role is especially important in addressing issues like inactivity, obesity and mental health conditions by having supportive, person-centred conversations and guiding people to local services and opportunities.

Industry

practitioner

Professional standard

Health Navigator

The role

What does a Health navigator do?

The main responsibilities of a health navigator are:

Person-Centered Support

Have friendly, respectful conversations tailored to each person’s needs.
Help people set realistic health goals and create action plans.
Respect diversity and individual preferences.

Effective Communication

Use clear, empathetic communication (e.g. active listening, open questions).
Build trust and strong relationships with clients and local partners.
Understand and overcome barriers to communication (e.g. language, culture).

Supporting Behavior Change

Use proven techniques like motivational interviewing and SMART goals.
Help people stay motivated and prevent relapse.
Track progress and offer ongoing encouragement.

Promoting Health and Physical Activity

Explain the benefits of being active and risks of inactivity.
Provide advice on healthy eating, smoking cessation, mental wellbeing, etc.
Tailor advice to suit different groups (e.g. older adults, ethnic minorities).

Signposting and Referrals

Know local services and professionals who can help (e.g. GPs, community groups).
Refer or signpost people to appropriate support based on their needs.
Keep up-to-date directories of local health and wellbeing resources.

Professional Practice

Work within your own qualifications and experience.
Follow legal and ethical guidelines (e.g. safeguarding, data protection).
Keep accurate records and monitor client progress.

Ongoing Learning

Regularly update your skills through training and reflection.
Stay informed about health policies and local health initiatives.
Seek mentoring and support when needed.

What it takes

Skills and behaviours

Based on the CIMSPA Health Navigator Professional Standard, here are the key soft skills required to be a health navigator:

Empathy – Understand and relate to others’ feelings and experiences.
Active Listening – Pay full attention and respond thoughtfully.
Clear Communication – Speak and write in a way that is easy to understand.
Open-Mindedness – Respect diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and preferences.
Relationship Building – Develop trust and rapport with clients and partners.
Teamwork – Collaborate effectively with professionals and community groups.
Adaptability – Adjust approach based on individual needs and situations.
Problem Solving – Help clients overcome barriers to health and wellbeing.
Motivational Support – Encourage and empower people to make positive changes.
Emotional Intelligence – Recognise and manage emotions in self and others.
Confidentiality – Handle sensitive information with care and discretion.
Reflective Practice – Learn from experience and seek continuous improvement

Getting in

How to become a Health navigator

Complete a qualification with a training provider

You can become a heath navigator by completing a qualification such as:

Level 3 Diploma in Health and Wellbeing Improvement – Supporting behaviour change in professional practice
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change

You can browse CIMSPA-endorsed heath navigator training courses on our training directory.

University

Some universities have embedded health navigator qualifications into their learning programmes. You can browse our CIMSPA endorsed training directory to check for colleges and universities that are recognised by CIMSPA for providing quality health navigator training to students. Here, you can also check what courses our endorsed colleges and universities offer as well as course entry requirements, a summary of course content/material and more information on how to apply.

Training

Courses that will qualify you

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Role snapshot

Typical earnings

Not currently available

Demand

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Typical working patterns

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Career paths and progression

Career pathways

As a Health navigator you have several next steps, side steps, and aspirational career opportunities for you to consider.

Side Steps

Practitioner

Coach

Practitioner

Exercise referral practitioner

Practitioner

Group exercise instructor

Practitioner

Personal trainer

Next Steps

Managers and Leaders

Entry manager

Aspirational Steps

Managers and Leaders

General manager

Practitioner

Senior manager

Career progression

As well as exploring new career pathways, as a health navigator, you can also choose to progress your career by completing further training or continued professional development (CPD) in your role. This training can be added to enable health navigators to show their expertise in additional populations, in different environments and with technical specialisms.