Why Work as a Locum?
Find locum shifts that work for you and fit your lifestyle.
Benefits of Working as a Locum
Competitive Rates
We negotiate on your behalf to secure fair rates and ensure you’re paid properly for your time and expertise.
Flexible Schedule
Choose shifts that suit your lifestyle. Work as much or as little as you want, from one-off cover to block bookings.
Variety of Settings
Community pharmacies, GP practices, hospitals, prisons, care homes, urgent care, online pharmacies, your skills are needed everywhere.
Work-Life Balance
Take control of your career. You decide when, where, and how often you work.
How it Works
Register as a Locum - Share your preferences and upload appropriate documents.
Join our WhatsApp Channel & Submit your Availability - We’ll connect you to locum opportunities that suit you.
Start Working - Receive written confirmations, reminders, and work your shifts!
Our (free) Services
We specialise in providing comprehensive support and tailored opportunities for locum professionals in the healthcare sector. At Pharm-Assist, we understand the unique challenges and demands faced by locums, and our mission is to simplify your career journey with a range of dedicated services designed to optimise your experience and satisfaction.
Expand each of our services below to see how we cater specifically to your needs:
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At Pharm-Assist, we go beyond simply matching you to shifts, we advocate for you every step of the way. Our expert team will:
Secure the best pay for stay-away and specialist shifts by negotiating directly with pharmacy providers on your behalf.
Review and renegotiate rates whenever a shift has unique requirements or is in a high-demand area.
Keep you informed throughout the process so you know exactly what to expect.
The result? You earn more for the same work, without the stress of haggling over pay. Let us handle the negotiations, while you focus on what you do best - delivering great patient care.
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Our block booking service transforms fragmented single shifts into cohesive block bookings, that are configured to achieve maximum earnings in specific locations for our locums.
How It Works:
By analysing individual gaps shared by healthcare providers, our advanced algorithms identify patterns and opportunities to consolidate single shifts into extended block bookings. Utilising sophisticated mapping software, we ensure that locums are matched with block bookings in their prefered locations or regions that are paying the highest rates.
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We recognise the importance of comfort and a positive experience for locums working away from home. That’s why we provide comprehensive support in finding suitable accommodation. Leveraging our extensive contacts within the travel industry, we often secure better prices than those advertised online. We believe stay-away locums greatly appreciate this additional support, allowing them to focus on their professional and family time rather than spending hours searching for lodging.
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We partner with Mencap, a preferred charity organisation and advocate for learning disabilities, to help locums obtain their enhanced DBS Checks effortlessly. Our commitment to making services easily accessible contributes to our outstanding customer satisfaction ratings.
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Your privacy and security are paramount to us. We never share your personal information unless it's necessary to secure a booking, and even then, we only provide your name and GPhC number. To comply with UK employment law and our Client Service Level Agreements, we securely retain certain verification documents. However, we never share these documents with anyone without your explicit permission. Rest assured, your documents are stored on a secure server and are not accessible online. For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
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We value building relationships with our locums to provide a personalised service. Your preferences matter to us as they guide us in finding the perfect placement for you. We understand that locuming can sometimes feel isolating, and challenges may arise. That's why we're always just a phone call away, ready to lend an ear and offer support whenever you need us. From start to finish, and even beyond the booking, it's our commitment to stand by you every step of the way.
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Our Giving Back Campaign is our way of saying thank you for your hard work and loyalty. For every shift you book through the Locate-a-Locum platform and nominate Pharm-Assist as your agency, you’ll earn £1 per booking. It’s a little gesture from us to give back to the amazing locums we’re proud to work with.
How It Works:
Nominate Pharm-Assist as your agency when booking shifts directly on Locate-a-Locum (Boots & Weldricks shifts only).
Complete your shift as usual.
Earn £1 for each booking, paid directly into your bank account after the booking is confirmed and payment received.
Join Pharm-Assist today and experience how we can enhance your locum career with efficiency, support, and opportunities that align with your goals. Your success is our priority.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for updates on available shifts and block bookings!
To ensure you are always in the loop, join the relevant group below and ensure notifications are turned on!
Frequently asked questions
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Simply complete our online registration form and upload your key documents. Our team will guide you through the compliance checks.
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You’ll need proof of qualifications, GPhC registration (for pharmacists), right-to-work documents, insurance (if applicable), and standard ID.
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Never. Our service is free for locums - you keep 100% of your pay.
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Pharmacists are usually paid directly by the client. Dispensers and technicians are typically paid weekly via Pharm-Assist. We’ll confirm payment terms before every booking.
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No. You decide when and where you want to work. Some locums prefer ad-hoc shifts, others prefer block bookings - we support both.
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Yes. You’re free to work with multiple agencies. Many locums choose Pharm-Assist because of our personal approach and wide network of shifts.
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Booking direct might seem easier, but it often means you’re left handling everything yourself - finding the work, negotiating rates, chasing payments, and dealing with last-minute cancellations. With Pharm-Assist, we do all of that for you:
Shift matching: Tell us the rates, hours, and locations you prefer, and we’ll find shifts that fit your lifestyle.
Rate negotiation: We can negotiate fair rates on your behalf and match you with shifts that pay what you’re looking for.
Less admin: We manage all the back-and-forth with clients, confirm bookings, and cancel shifts on your behalf if plans change.
Reliable payments: No more chasing - we follow up with providers to make sure you get paid on time.
Support when things go wrong: If there’s a problem, you’re not left to resolve it alone - our team steps in.
And you don’t have to choose one or the other, you can still book direct if you wish. Joining Pharm-Assist just means you’ve got a partner taking care of the hard work, while you focus on what you do best.
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Yes. We place locums in GP practices, hospitals, prisons, urgent care, care homes, online pharmacies, and even industry or academia roles.
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If you enjoy working in the same pharmacy or healthcare setting regularly, we can arrange repeat bookings and block work to give you continuity.
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We don’t just leave shifts sitting on a website. At Pharm-Assist, we share shifts where locums are most active and engaged:
WhatsApp channels – fast, direct updates straight to your phone.
Our Facebook page – for locums who prefer to browse opportunities there.
Direct contact – we approach locums individually with shifts that match their skills, location, and rate preferences.
This means you’ll always hear about work that’s relevant to you, rather than having to scroll through hundreds of posts or listings.
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Locum work gives you flexibility and freedom that permanent roles can’t always match. As a locum, you can:
Choose when and where you work - fit shifts around your lifestyle, travel, or family commitments.
Set your own rates - negotiate pay that reflects your skills, experience, and preferences.
Enjoy variety - work in community pharmacies, GP practices, hospitals, prisons, care homes, and more.
Gain experience quickly - develop skills in different environments without being tied to one employer.
Control your workload - take on as many or as few shifts as you like, with no obligation for full-time hours.
Keep your independence - you’re your own boss, managing your own availability and choosing the opportunities you want.
In short, locum work gives you flexibility, variety, and control - making it a great choice if you want more freedom in your career.