First-Time Locum | What You Need To Know

Whether you have worked in the NHS for years, are recently qualified or you are planning to move to the UK, the decision to pursue a locum position is a big one.

Advantages of becoming a locum

These can be summed up quickly: flexibility, variety and higher rates of pay.

Tips for locum success

Pick the right recruiter

Your recruiter will be the best resource for your questions or concerns and will help you make the transition to locum work. Also, your chosen NHS recruiter has the focus and experience to match your career and work/life aspirations with the right roles.

Ensure you pick a firm that has the appropriate accreditations, including: Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and are members of the CCS and HTE Frameworks.

Evergood Associates are accredited with Investors in People. and the recruiters are Affiliate Members of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals.

Be confident

Any change is likely to be challenging at first. However, the right agency will understand that your priority is your patients and your recruitment consultant will manage the rest of the process for you. Be confident in your skills and be open to embracing the change.

Be clear about your ambitions

You will have specific work goals that you want to achieve through becoming a locum. That could be reduced hours, increased flexibility, extra earnings or simply a change of scenery. Be clear with your agency to ensure you have full access to the most appropriate positions.

Relationship management

When you investigate the right recruitment firm for you, it’s important that you maintain that relationship and keep your consultant as informed as possible. This allows them to continue to work on your behalf effectively and find the right positions for you.

Managing guilt

Yes, you are perhaps parachuting into a situation where the previous member of staff has left suddenly, but you must remember that your position is temporary and, whilst patients may feel abandoned by their previous physician, you should never feel guilty about the nature of your work.

Get prepared

Get your documents ready. We have a team dedicated to assisting you through the registration process to ensure you are compliant as soon as is possible.

“Evergood have been absolutely amazing at helping and guiding me. The registration was quick. They managed to secure a job within a week of registration. They have always been prompt at responding to my emails and addressing my queries.”

Dr Papireddy, Staff Grade Psychiatrist, Fife.

Working with Evergood

As an Evergood Associate candidate, we will:

Assist in developing your career and provide ongoing adviceAct within the REC Code of ConductProvide you with personal service from your own Recruitment ConsultantPay you weekly, on time, every timeOffer all our candidates the industry leading "Recommend a Friend" referral schemeOffer all candidates an enhanced DBS at no costSubsidise training and continual professional development via our Training Scheme

All candidates are individually screened and interviewed by our consultants. We provide training and Occupational Health services for all our candidates. We only represent quality candidates for our locum vacancies. Evergood Associates have a team of experienced consultants dedicated to both clients and candidates alike, specialising in each of the sectors in which we operate.

Evergood Associates provide you with a first-class service to suit your needs. We treat all our locums as individuals so if you are wanting one session a week or a full-time locum position you will receive the same level of attention from your own recruitment specialist.