Decide which settings suit your experience
Start with the work you know. Community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and general practice use different systems and have different expectations. List the settings you have worked in recently, the services you can deliver and where you would need induction or support.
Put this into a short work profile: recent roles, familiar patient medication record (PMR) systems, clinical services, travel area and availability. If you are newly qualified or returning after a break, ask what support will be available before accepting an unfamiliar branch.
Check your registration and indemnity
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) regulates pharmacy professionals in England, Scotland and Wales. The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is the separate regulator for Northern Ireland. Check the registration requirements for the country where you intend to work.
Tell the hirer about any relevant conditions or restrictions on your registration. Confirm that your indemnity covers the proposed work, including prescribing or additional clinical services. If the work falls outside the scope you have discussed with your insurer, resolve that before accepting.
Get your documents ready
Keep your CV, registration details, training evidence and reference contacts up to date. Ask what the hirer needs for the particular role and how to send it securely. The documents needed to express interest may differ from those required before work can begin.
A simple index helps: document name, issuing body, date, expiry where applicable and next review. Keep identity documents, bank details and health information out of public profiles and general enquiry messages.
- Ask referees before sharing their details.
- Check that training evidence relates to the services requested.
- Flag any PMR or systems-access gaps before booking.
- Keep your diary current, including travel between sites.
Agree the shift and payment details
Get the branch address, date, start and finish times, paid hours, breaks and duties in writing. Ask who will be working with you, which services are booked and who will help with local systems. “Usual pharmacy duties” is too vague if it leaves you unsure what you are taking on.
Confirm the rate and whether it is hourly or daily, agreed expenses, who pays you and how to submit hours or invoices. “Locum” does not determine employment or tax status. GOV.UK explains the different contractor arrangements; clarify yours before assuming that you should invoice or that particular deductions apply.
Prepare for your first booking
Check the journey, parking or public transport, the correct entrance and who will meet you. Agree when induction will happen and save the contact for delays or problems on the day.
Keep enquiries and confirmed work separate in your diary. If the branch, hours or services change, ask for an updated confirmation. After the shift, complete the handover and submit your hours. Record anything that would help with a return visit, without copying patient information into personal notes.
Register with FindALocum
Registration is free. Tell us your experience, preferred areas and availability. We are building our pharmacist network and will use those details when reviewing suitable cover requests. Registration is an expression of interest; a booking needs its own agreement and confirmation.
Common questions
What is a locum pharmacist?
A locum pharmacist is a registered pharmacist who covers shifts or sessions on a temporary basis, in a community pharmacy, GP practice, PCN or hospital, without holding a permanent post there. Many work for several employers and choose when and where they work.
How do I get into locum pharmacy?
Confirm your GPhC or PSNI registration, arrange indemnity cover for the work you plan to do and prepare your documents. Then decide which settings suit your experience, register with agencies, booking platforms or employers, and agree pay, hours and cancellation terms in writing before your first booking.
Can a newly qualified pharmacist work as a locum?
Yes, once your registration is confirmed. Start with settings and systems you know, ask what induction and support each booking offers, and build experience before taking on unfamiliar or very busy work alone.
Do I need to be an independent prescriber to do locum work?
It depends on the role and services requested. Check the particular shift requirements. Registration as a pharmacist, prescribing authority and suitability to deliver an individual service are separate considerations.
Can I choose where and when I work?
You can state your preferences and availability. Any proposed assignment still needs suitable requirements, agreement between the parties and confirmation; registering does not guarantee work.
Is FindALocum registration free for pharmacists?
Yes. Registration is free. The pharmacy contracts with and pays you directly. It pays FindALocum’s separate £19.99 + VAT booking fee per pharmacist per day worked.
Sources and further reading
Check the current official documents for the country and service where you will work.
These guides cover general booking and preparation questions. Read our editorial policy. If a detail needs updating, send us a correction.