How to Become a Locum Pharmacist in the UK (2026 Guide)
Thinking about becoming a locum pharmacist in the UK?
Whether you are newly qualified, returning to practice or considering stepping away from a permanent position, locum work can offer flexibility, varied experience and competitive earning potential. However, before accepting your first shift, there are important regulatory and practical requirements you must meet.
This guide explains what you need to know based on UK regulations and current pharmacy practice standards.
What Is a Locum Pharmacist?
A locum pharmacist is a pharmacist registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council who provides temporary cover in community pharmacies, hospitals or other healthcare settings.
Most community locum work is:
Single shifts or short blocks
Booked directly or through an agency
Carried out on a self employed basis
Pharmacies rely on locums to maintain safe and compliant services during annual leave, sickness, recruitment gaps and periods of increased demand.
Step 1: Ensure You Are Registered With the GPhC
To practise in Great Britain you must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
You must:
Hold active registration
Meet annual revalidation requirements
Comply with the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals
Without active registration, you cannot legally practise as a pharmacist in the UK.
Step 2: Arrange Professional Indemnity Insurance
Under UK regulations, practising pharmacists must have appropriate indemnity arrangements in place.
Most locums obtain cover through organisations such as:
Other recognised indemnity providers
Your indemnity must cover the services you provide including NHS services and any private services such as vaccinations if you are accredited.
Pharmacies may request proof of indemnity before confirming bookings.
Step 3: Obtain an NHS Smartcard
To access NHS systems such as the Electronic Prescription Service and Summary Care Records, most community pharmacies require locums to hold a valid NHS Smartcard.
Your Smartcard should:
Be active
Have appropriate role-based access
Be working before you arrive for your shift
Without correct access, service delivery may be limited and patient care could be affected.
Step 4: DBS Checks
There is no specific law stating that every locum pharmacist must hold a DBS certificate. However, most pharmacies require an Enhanced DBS check as part of their safeguarding and compliance procedures.
This is particularly important when delivering NHS services or working with vulnerable patients.
Many pharmacy groups and agencies will not confirm bookings without valid DBS clearance.
Step 5: Register as Self Employed
Most community locum pharmacists work on a self employed basis.
This means you must:
Obtain a Unique Taxpayer Reference number
Submit annual tax returns
Pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions
You are responsible for keeping accurate financial records and managing your tax affairs.
Some positions may be offered through payroll arrangements, but most community locum work remains self employed.
Step 6: Understand Rates and Agreements
Before confirming any shift you should clarify:
The hourly rate
Start and finish times
Length of any unpaid break
Total paid hours
Any travel arrangements
There is no statutory requirement for pharmacies to pay travel costs or provide paid breaks. These terms must be agreed in advance.
Clear communication protects both the pharmacist and the pharmacy.
Step 7: Finding Locum Work
Locum pharmacists find work through:
Direct relationships with pharmacies
Large pharmacy chains
Professional networks
Specialist agencies
Working with an organised agency such as Pharm Assist can help by:
Matching you with suitable shifts
Confirming rates and paid hours clearly
Supporting documentation checks
Reducing last-minute communication issues
Providing a single point of contact
For pharmacists new to locum work, structured support can make the transition smoother and more professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a newly qualified pharmacist work as a locum?
Yes, provided you hold active GPhC registration. However, many pharmacists choose to gain experience in a permanent role before moving into locum work.
Are breaks paid?
In many community settings, breaks are unpaid unless agreed otherwise. Always confirm this before accepting a shift.
Do locum pharmacists receive mileage?
There is no legal requirement for pharmacies to pay mileage. Some may offer travel reimbursement depending on distance and urgency.
Do I need vaccination accreditation?
If you are delivering vaccination services or other advanced services, you must hold the appropriate training and accreditation.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a locum pharmacist in the UK requires active registration, appropriate indemnity, correct NHS access and clear tax arrangements. It also requires professional communication and clarity around working terms.
With the right preparation, locum work can offer flexibility, autonomy and strong earning potential.
If you are looking for structured bookings and clear communication, Pharm Assist supports locum pharmacists and pharmacies across the UK with compliant and transparent staffing support.