Securing NHS GP Locum Jobs

My name is Jiya and I am currently working as a locum GP. One aspect that I have commonly heard is the shortage of opportunities. While this space is becoming increasingly competitive, it eventually comes down to our individual outlook and attitude. I thought I would share some useful guidance around securing NHS GP locum jobs, from my own experiences.

A) Organisation skills

The most important aspect of working as a locum is organisation. Keeping everything in order makes life much easier. I personally maintain an up-to-date Google spreadsheet to track my shifts, invoices (both paid and pending), mandatory training with their renewal dates etc. A short weekly review of the spreadsheet helps keep everything current and prevents last-minute scrambles.

A simple, current CV is absolutely essential and it’s always wise to reach out to referees in advance since many roles require references. Keeping digital copies of key documents - CV, GMC GP certificate, DBS, indemnity, safeguarding etc in a single folder makes applying for jobs quicker and smoother.

B) Networking

Another area that can really help is LinkedIn. Having a profile that is simple, easy to read, and current allows you to connect with colleagues, recruitment agencies, HR teams, and practice managers. This can open doors to opportunities (including international) that might not otherwise come your way.

I’ve also found that directly expressing interest with HR departments or practice managers goes a long way. A simple email can often lead to regular work. Feedback from my own outreach has always been positive, and I also stay in touch as this shows gratitude and helps to build strong working relationships.

C) Locum organisations play a key role

The most commonly used platforms are NASGP (Locum Deck) and Lantum. Some will allow you to set your own session details and terms, including cancellation policies. Many similar organisations give flexibility to work across different settings, whether that’s remote clinics or face-to-face sessions in NHS GP surgeries, home visiting, NHS community hospitals, NHS out-of-hours services, virtual wards, or even NHS hospital GP roles.

While NASGP has worked for a significant proportion of locum GPs, it has not worked for all. One of the main reason is setting up your profile and account configuration incorrectly. The set up can be a bit tricky, but at a high level you need to outline few aspects, i.e. "Define your session specifics such as number of appointment, rates, duration, breaks etc", "Define the date and schedules where you want to make these sessions available" and finally "Define the GP surgeries to whom these sessions will be visible".

D) Finances

Good financial management is essential for locum work. With income arriving from multiple GP surgeries/agencies and a wide range of expenses to claim, being organised prevents errors and avoids end-of-tax-year stress.

I have set up a separate bank account solely for work-related income and expenses, which makes tracking much simpler. I also use QuickBooks to manage invoices and payments, which saves a lot of time and reduces the risk of oversight.

On the subject of NHS Pension for locum GPs, I found this to be quite complicated. This is owing to the fact that we need to satisfy 2 forms:

• Form A - This is completed for every invoiced work arrangement with a NHS GP surgery, and you need to collaborate with them to address the same.

• Form B - This is completed by you, and uploaded into the PCSE portal.

There have been various instances of GPs losing track of their pensions, eventually losing significant amounts of money. Moreover, in many cases the employer deduction for pensions also come out of your base rate (subject to your agreement on rates), which means little benefit. In view of these complexities, I chose to opt-out of the NHS GP locum pension for my sessional work. However, this is eventually subject to an individuals personal choice.

E) Portfolio and appraisal requirements

Staying on top of appraisal requirements is essential for revalidation and maintaining good standing as a GP. Leaving everything until the end of the year creates unnecessary pressure, whereas updating your portfolio regularly makes the process far smoother.

NHS GP appraisals are usually conducted by a PCSE-appointed GP appraiser. They review your portfolio, discuss your learning, and ensure you are meeting revalidation requirements. Approaching the process steadily throughout the year makes the appraisal a constructive conversation rather than a stressful deadline.

Finally, while working as a locum GP can feel daunting and sometimes (very) stressful, it also comes with many perks. Taking a proactive approach has helped me secure regular GP work and maintain balance. I hope these insights are helpful to you too, and wish you success in your own locum journey.