How to Choose Between Multiple Locum Agencies

For healthcare professionals, working as a locum offers unparalleled flexibility, diverse clinical experience, and often, a higher rate of pay. However, the key to a successful locum career often lies with the agencies that connect you to these opportunities. With dozens of agencies competing for your attention, how do you choose the right partner?

Signing up with multiple agencies is a common and often wise strategy, but navigating them effectively is crucial. Making the right choice can mean the difference between a steady stream of desirable shifts and a frustrating, disorganised experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider when choosing between multiple locum agencies.

1. Specialisation and Niche Expertise

Is the agency a generalist, or do they specialise in your specific field? A large, nationwide agency might have a vast number of jobs, but a smaller, specialist agency may have deeper connections with specific departments (like Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, or General Practice) and a better understanding of your unique skills and career aspirations.

• Questions to Ask:

  • Does this agency have dedicated consultants for my specialty?

  • Do they have exclusive contracts with hospitals or trusts I want to work in?

  • Can they offer roles that align with my long-term career development?

2. Reputation and Reliability

An agency's reputation is everything. A reliable agency will be transparent, communicative, and have a strong track record of placing locums in suitable roles. Look beyond their website's testimonials.

• How to Check:

  • Peer Reviews: Ask colleagues and peers in your specialty which agencies they use and trust. Word-of-mouth is often the most reliable source.

  • Online Reviews: Check independent review sites like Google or Trustpilot. Look for consistent themes in the feedback, both positive and negative.

  • Framework Approval: In the UK, check if the agency is an approved supplier on NHS frameworks (e.g., HealthTrust Europe, NHS Professionals). This demonstrates they have met specific quality and compliance standards.

3. Pay Rates and Payment Processes

While it shouldn't be the only factor, competitive pay is a major motivator for locum work. However, the headline rate isn't the whole story.

• Key Considerations:

  • Rate Transparency: Are the rates they quote inclusive of employer contributions, or is the final take-home pay clear? Don't be afraid to ask for a full breakdown.

  • Payment Method: Do they offer PAYE (Pay As You Earn), umbrella company, or limited company payment options? Understand the implications of each.

  • Payment Schedule: How frequently are you paid? A reliable agency will have a punctual and straightforward payroll system. Late payments are a major red flag.

4. The Quality of Communication and Consultant Support

Your relationship with your recruitment consultant is vital. A good consultant acts as your advocate, understanding your preferences for location, hours, and type of work. They should be proactive in finding you shifts but not so pushy that you feel pressured.

• Evaluate Your Consultant:

  • Responsiveness: Do they return your calls and emails promptly?

  • Understanding: Do they listen to your requirements or just send you a list of every available job?

  • Support: A top-tier consultant will assist with everything from timesheet submission to revalidation and appraisal support.

5. Volume and Quality of Work

There's no point signing up with an agency that can't provide you with the work you need, where you need it. When you first make contact, be clear about your availability and geographical preferences.

• Assess Their Offerings:

  • Geographical Reach: Do they have strong relationships with hospitals and clinics in your desired locations?

  • Consistency: Can they offer a consistent flow of work if you need it, or are their offerings sporadic?

  • Relevance: Are the jobs they send you genuinely relevant to your grade and specialty?

6. Onboarding and Compliance Efficiency

Before you can work, you'll need to complete the agency's compliance process, providing documents like your GMC/NMC registration, DBS check, and training certificates. A well-organised agency makes this process smooth and painless. A disorganised one can lead to delays and missed opportunities.

• What to Look For:

  • A clear, streamlined registration process.

  • A dedicated compliance team to guide you.

  • Support in booking necessary training updates (e.g., Basic Life Support).

The Verdict: Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

For most locums, the best strategy is to register with two or three carefully selected agencies. This approach allows you to:

• Maximise Opportunities: You get access to a wider range of shifts and locations.

• Benchmark Rates: It helps you understand the going rate for your skills and experience.

• Create Healthy Competition: Letting agencies know you work with others can motivate them to offer you their best shifts and rates first.

Ultimately, the right agencies are those that feel like partners in your career. They are the ones who understand your goals, respect your time, and work diligently behind the scenes to make your locum experience as seamless and rewarding as possible. Choose wisely.