Locum reference checks — fast, NHS-compliant references for every locum placement

Why locum reference checking is the biggest NHS compliance gap

Locum doctors are placed by agencies and direct engagement at short notice to cover NHS rota gaps. The time pressure of locum placements creates a compliance shortcut that NHS trusts, locum agencies and bank bureaux consistently take — starting locum doctors before employment references are complete. NHS Employment Check Standards require the same written reference standard for locum doctors as for permanent consultant appointments. The clinical risk presented by an inadequately checked locum doctor is at least as great as that of a permanent employee.

How RefAssure makes compliant locum reference checking achievable

RefAssure locum reference requests are sent in under 2 minutes. Automated email and SMS chasing follows up with referees without any further HR involvement. Most locum references return within 1 to 3 days — fast enough for the majority of locum placement timescales, which typically have 3 to 7 days between booking and start date for planned covers.

Locum agencies supplying to NHS trusts can use RefAssure to generate compliant written references for every locum doctor before placement. The PDF provides shareable evidence of NHS Employment Check Standards compliance that agencies can pass to NHS trust hirers. From 99p per reference with no subscription, cost scales exactly with locum placement volume.