Locum Doctor Recruitment UK: How It Works and What to Expect

What is locum doctor recruitment?

Locum doctor recruitment is the process by which medical staffing agencies place doctors into temporary clinical positions across NHS trusts, private hospitals, and GP surgeries. Unlike permanent employment, locum work is flexible — you choose when and where you work.

The NHS relies heavily on locum doctors to fill gaps caused by staff shortages, annual leave, and maternity cover. Thousands of UK doctors work as locums either full-time or alongside a substantive post.

How does locum recruitment work?

1. Register with agencies — most locum doctors work with multiple agencies simultaneously to maximise shift availability
2. Complete compliance checks — agencies require a full compliance pack before they can place you
3. Get matched to shifts — agencies notify you of available shifts that match your specialty, grade, and location
4. Accept shifts and work — confirm shifts, work them, and submit timesheets
5. Get paid — typically weekly, via PAYE or through a limited company

What do agencies need from you?

Before a locum agency can place you, they must verify a full compliance pack:

• GMC certificate — current and in good standing
• Enhanced DBS check — dated within the last 3 years or on the Update Service
• Right to Work — passport or visa documentation
• Professional indemnity insurance — MDU, MPS, MDDUS, or equivalent
• Occupational health clearance — immunisation records and fitness to work
• References — typically two clinical references from the last 3 years

Quiet Medical's compliance passport lets you store all these documents in one place and share them with multiple agencies instantly — saving days of admin per registration.

How many agencies should you register with?

Most experienced locum doctors register with 3–6 agencies. More agencies means more shift availability and better rates through competition. The key is finding agencies that specialise in your specialty and the regions where you want to work.

Typical locum doctor pay rates in the UK

• GP locum: £90–£130 per hour
• SHO / Junior doctor: £35–£55 per hour
• Registrar: £50–£80 per hour
• Consultant: £80–£150+ per hour
• Emergency Medicine: typically higher than elective specialties

Tips for getting more locum shifts

• Keep your compliance up to date — agencies cannot place you with expired documents
• Be flexible on location — doctors willing to travel get more shifts
• Respond quickly — locum shifts are often filled within hours of being posted
• Build relationships with agencies — reliable locums get called first
• Use Quiet Medical — get matched with multiple agencies from a single profile

Locum recruitment vs permanent employment

Locum work offers flexibility and often higher day rates, but comes without the benefits of permanent employment — no sick pay, no annual leave pay, and you must manage your own pension and tax. Many doctors do both: a part-time substantive post plus locum sessions.