Checklist for hiring a locum GP for a private clinic

Locum cover is often needed at short notice, which is exactly when mistakes happen. Before a locum GP sees a single patient in your private clinic, these are the points we work through with every employer.

Confirm registration and licence

Check that the GP is on the GMC register with a current licence to practise and no conditions that restrict their work. Ask for their registration number and check it yourself on the public register rather than relying on a copy of a certificate.

Check indemnity and insurance

Confirm which indemnity or defence organisation covers the locum and that the cover applies to the type of work you are offering, including remote consultations where relevant.

Verify DBS and safeguarding training

Enhanced DBS checks, with the relevant barred list checks where the role requires them, should be on file. Confirm safeguarding training is current for adults and, if children may be seen, for children too.

Agree the clinical model in writing

Be clear about the scope of the sessions: prescribing responsibilities, referral routes, out-of-hours expectations and how notes are completed and reviewed. A short written brief prevents most misunderstandings on day one.

Plan a proper induction

Walk the locum through your systems, escalation process and the emergency pathway for your service. Make sure they know who to contact when something is not right, and how to raise a concern.

Keep the paperwork together

Store the verification evidence, the signed brief and the session record in one place. If a question is raised later, you will be able to show exactly what was checked and when.

Our team works through this checklist with every private healthcare employer we place a locum with. If you would like a copy of our verification record template, get in touch and we will send it over.