Compliance Requirements for Locum GPs

Helpful advice for Locum GPs: Compliance Requirements

When working as a locum GP, whether registering with an agency or working for a practice directly, it’s crucial to complete all compliance requirements before commencing any sessions.

This ensures adherence to standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the respective practice, whether NHS or private. Agencies and GP Practices are obligated to verify that a GP meets all professional and legal criteria prior to starting locum work.

Compliance Requirements:

Organisation

Staying organised is essential for navigating the compliance process smoothly. You will likely need to meet compliance requirements from multiple organisations, many of which will require documentation both before starting work and throughout your assignment to track expiry dates.

While this may feel repetitive or time-consuming, it is a necessary part of ensuring legal and ethical standards are met. These organisations are responsible for verifying your right to work as well as your suitability for the role.

Most companies now use secure online portals to collect compliance documents. To make the process easier, take clear photos of all your paper-based documentation and store them in one accessible location, ready for upload when needed.

Essential Compliance Documentation

Please find a list of compliance that organisations are likely to ask for, prior to commencing locum GP sessions:

Identity Verification: Photographic ID. Ideally a valid passport, but a driving licence or identity card could also be used.

Right to Work in the UK: Provide documentation confirming your eligibility to work in the UK. This could be your Passport and/or a government Share Code.

Enhanced DBS Check: If your Enhanced DBS is not registered with the Government Update Service, a new check/DBS must be processed. Note that individuals cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS independently; it must be processed through an authorised organisation. An employer will need to see a copy of the DBS Certificate in order to complete a DBS update service check.
Employment History and References: Most companies will need an employment history and will need to explore any gaps in your work history. You will also need to provide a minimum of two clinical references. Typically, companies will need the last 2-3 years’ worth of referencing. These references need to include your most recent work and would need to be from senior professionals such as a GP Partner, Clinical Lead, GP Trainer, or Practice Manager.
GMC Registration Number: Ensure your General Medical Council (GMC) registration number is current.
Performer’s List Status: Verify that you are listed as a ‘GP Performer’.
Mandatory Certificates and Documents. The following certifications are required:

Safeguarding Level 3 for Adults
Safeguarding Level 3 for Children
Basic Life Support (BLS)

*Some organisations may request additional certificates as mandatory, such as:

Information Governance
Fire Safety
Infection Control

Vaccination Record: Provide evidence of immunisations for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B.

Indemnity Insurance Certificate: Submit a valid indemnity insurance certificate.
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Ensure your CV reflects your most recent salaried or locum positions, including specific dates (Month/Year) as well as identifying any gaps.
Limited Company Details: If operating through a limited company, provide relevant company details.
Registration Form: Most companies will ask you to fill out a registration form.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Compliance Process

Good Quality electronic copies – Ensure any photographs of paper based documents are clear and contain the document in full. Is the date / reference number / picture clearly visible?
Keep Certifications Current: Maintain up-to-date certificates to prevent delays when initiating the compliance process with a new organization.
Update Your CV Regularly: Ensure your CV accurately reflects your recent roles and responsibilities, including precise dates. This helps practices review your qualifications efficiently and minimizes back-and-forth communication.
Address Employment Gaps: If there are any gaps in your employment history, provide explanations, especially if the gaps occurred within the last two years, as this may impact referencing.
Register Your DBS with the Update Service: You have a 28-day window to register a new Enhanced DBS check with the Update Service. Failure to do so within this period will prevent registration. The Update Service allows your DBS check to be portable across organizations. The annual fee is £16.
Please see the link for the Update Service: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Take a photograph of your DBS certificate.

It tends to be the one document that gets lost or misplaced and the DBS will not issue replacement certificates (instead they will need you to pay for and process a new one. Employers will need to see the certificate in order to complete your Update Service Check – they cannot accept the number alone.

Disclose Any Conditions or Investigations: If your DBS or GMC registration has any conditions or if there are ongoing investigations, please inform the compliance team promptly. Transparency allows for timely communication with the practice and facilitates the consideration process.

The organisation you are working with will have support set up to help you whilst completing your compliance process.