Every locum placement — whether GP, pharmacist, AHP or nurse — depends on a small set of mandatory checks. These aren’t “tick-boxes.” They are legal requirements designed to protect patients, staff and the practice.
This article explains exactly what gets checked, why it matters, and how to avoid the common mistakes that slow everything down.
1. Right-to-work: the first and most important check
No organisation can legally allow a clinician to work without verifying their right to work in the UK. This must be done before any shift begins.
What we check
- Passport (photo page)
- Share code (for non-UK nationals)
- Visa/BRP expiry dates
- Name consistency across documents
If a share code is missing or expired, 90% of onboarding delays will begin right here.
2. DBS: what level you actually need
Almost all clinical locum roles require an Enhanced DBS (with barring list check). A “Standard” DBS is not enough for patient-facing work.
We verify
- Certificate number
- Date of issue
- Registered on the Update Service?
If you're not on the Update Service
We strongly recommend it. Without it, DBS checks must be repeated frequently and processing can take weeks — especially in high-demand periods.
3. Registration & licence checks
Before working clinically, we must confirm that the clinician is fully registered and in good standing.
- GMC registration (for GPs and ANPs)
- GPhC registration (for pharmacists & technicians)
- NMC registration (for nurses)
- HCPC registration (AHPs)
We check registration status daily using public search tools and automated validation where available.
Did you know?
The most common registration issue is a mismatch between the name on the passport and the name on the professional register. This causes 30% of preventable delays.
4. Mandatory training & clinical safety
Clinical safety is non-negotiable. We verify all required training for the setting and role.
The essentials
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Safeguarding Level 2 (most clinicians)
- Safeguarding Level 3 (GPs)
- Infection Prevention & Control
- Fire Safety
Many practices do not realise: BLS must be renewed every 12 months — not every 3 years.
5. Immunisations & occupational health
Depending on the role, immunisation evidence is required before working clinically.
Common requirements
- Hepatitis B immunisation / immunity
- MMR vaccination
- Varicella immunity
- COVID-19 vaccination record
6. Indemnity & insurance
All locums must hold their own professional indemnity cover — and the certificate must clearly show the policy term.
We verify:
- Provider (e.g., MDDUS, MPS, NHSLA)
- Start and end date
- Scope of cover
Missing indemnity is the #1 reason shifts get cancelled the day before.
Final thoughts
Compliance should not slow down clinical work. With the right documents — and clear, early verification — locums can start faster, practices can plan with confidence, and agencies can ensure safe, reliable staffing.
When compliance is done properly, everyone wins.
