What Documents Do I Need to Work as a Locum Pharmacist in the UK?
If you are planning to work as a locum pharmacist in the UK, one of the first questions you should ask is:
What documentation do I need before I can start?
Unlike permanent employment, locum work requires you to manage your own professional compliance. Pharmacies are responsible for ensuring that any pharmacist acting as the responsible pharmacist is appropriately registered and insured, so having the correct documentation ready is essential.
This guide explains what you typically need in order to work legally and professionally as a locum pharmacist in community pharmacy.
1. Active GPhC Registration
To practise as a pharmacist in Great Britain, you must hold active registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Before working any shift, you should ensure:
• Your GPhC registration is current
• Your renewal and revalidation requirements are up to date
• Your details on the public register are accurate
Pharmacies are required to verify GPhC registration before allowing a pharmacist to act as the responsible pharmacist.
Without active registration, you cannot legally practise.
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance
All practising pharmacists must have appropriate indemnity arrangements in place.
Your indemnity must cover the scope of services you are delivering, which may include:
• NHS dispensing services
• Private services
• Vaccination services
• Travel health consultations
Most locums arrange cover through organisations such as the Pharmacists Defence Association or other recognised providers.
Pharmacies may request proof of indemnity before confirming bookings.
3. Right to Work in the United Kingdom
Pharmacies are legally required to confirm that staff have the right to work in the UK.
You should be prepared to provide:
• A valid passport
• Visa documentation where applicable
• Other acceptable right to work evidence
Failure to provide this can prevent confirmation of shifts.
4. Enhanced DBS Certificate
There is no single statute that mandates every locum pharmacist must hold a DBS certificate. However, most community pharmacies require an Enhanced DBS check as part of safeguarding and governance procedures.
This is particularly important if you are:
• Delivering NHS services
• Working with vulnerable patient groups
• Providing vaccination services
Having an up to date DBS certificate reduces delays when accepting bookings.
5. NHS Smartcard
Most community pharmacies require locums to hold an NHS Smartcard with appropriate access permissions.
Your Smartcard should:
• Be active
• Have correct role based access
• Be functioning prior to the shift
Without appropriate access, you may not be able to use systems such as the Electronic Prescription Service or Summary Care Records.
6. Service Accreditation and Training Certificates
If you are delivering enhanced or advanced services, you may need to provide evidence of training or accreditation.
This can include:
• Vaccination training certificates
• Basic life support training
• Anaphylaxis training
• Consultation skills training
Pharmacies are responsible for ensuring service providers are competent, so documentation may be requested in advance.
7. Self Employed Registration
Most community locum pharmacists operate on a self employed basis.
You should ensure you are:
• Registered for Self Assessment with HM Revenue and Customs
• In possession of a Unique Taxpayer Reference
• Keeping appropriate financial records
Pharmacies are not responsible for your tax arrangements if you are self employed.
8. Bank Details and Invoice Information
For payment purposes, you should be ready to provide:
• Bank details
• Invoice template if required
• UTR number if requested
Clear payment arrangements reduce delays and misunderstandings.
Why Having Documents Ready Matters
Pharmacies must protect patient safety and remain compliant with NHS contractual and GPhC requirements. Delays in documentation verification can result in cancelled bookings or missed opportunities.
Being organised demonstrates professionalism and increases the likelihood of repeat bookings.
Working with a structured staffing partner such as Pharm-Assist can also simplify the process. Pharm-Assist supports by:
• Verifying key documentation
• Confirming compliance requirements in advance
• Reducing last minute administrative delays
• Providing clear communication between locums and pharmacies
This allows both parties to focus on delivering safe and effective pharmacy services.
Final Thoughts
To work as a locum pharmacist in the UK, you must ensure you have:
• Active GPhC registration
• Appropriate indemnity insurance
• Right to work documentation
• DBS clearance where required
• NHS Smartcard access
• Relevant service accreditation
• Proper self employed registration
Preparation protects your professional standing and improves your ability to secure consistent work.
If you are looking for structured and transparent bookings, Pharm-Assist supports locum pharmacists across the UK with compliant staffing arrangements and clear communication.