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Guidance for negotiating fees for locum services in general practice

January 2007

Summary
This document is intended to serve as background information for the negotiation process between the locum and the provider. As stated in page 1, the BMA and the NASGP are not permitted to provide advice on suggested fees for locums. A model ‘locum fee calculator’ is included in appendix 1 to allow locums to calculate on an individual basis their own fee for the services supplied to the provider. The fee should be based on the locums own individual circumstances and the individual assignment to be undertaken.

Having determined an appropriate fee, terms should normally be agreed in writing. An agreement should be made between the locum and the provider which should include the levels of service to be provided, length of the session(s) in terms of hours and arrangements in the event of cancellation of the service by either party. A model locum agreement or ‘booking form’ is available on the NASGP website for use by the provider where appropriate.

It is good procedure for the locum to have access to guidance documents on working practices, availability of services etc. Engaging organisations should normally have induction documents available to locums.