Current terms of employment for locum GPs in Out of Hours are often extremely varied and using this contract will help to standardise their terms, and bring them in line with the rest of the NHS. 

The Sessional GPs Committee  has developed a template agreement for locum GPs working in out of hours settings. Current terms of employment for locum GPs in Out of Hours are often extremely varied and using this contract will help to standardise their terms, bring a level of standardisation and protection that is currently lacking. 

This contract and guidance have been drafted on the basis of best practice and represents a baseline of what the Committee believes are acceptable terms for locum GPs working in these settings.  

The BMA template contract for GP locums working in out of hours settings offers several important benefits. It provides clarity and consistency regarding terms of engagement, ensuring locums are aware of their rights and responsibilities. This standardised approach helps to minimise misunderstandings and disputes, offering protection for both locums and employers. Moreover, it supports best practice by outlining key safeguards, such as fair remuneration, clear expectations around working hours, and robust processes for addressing concerns. By adopting the template contract, both parties can feel confident that the arrangement meets recognised professional standards and offers a solid foundation for a positive working relationship. 

This template agreement represents the minimum terms and conditions with which we believe locum GPs in such organisations should be provided. 

The locum out of hours agreement has been designed specifically for use when working for out of hours providers.  It sets out best practice and key protections for the challenges often seen by GP locums working within these settings, including clarity and consistency regarding terms of engagement, ensuring locums are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and best practice by outlining key safeguards, such as fair remuneration, clear expectations around working hours, and robust processes for addressing concerns. 

We recognise that many employers will have their own contractual arrangements for GP locums within their organisations. We will be working with providers and commissioners at a national level to  encourage the use of this template as a minimum set of terms and conditions which should be offered to locum GPs.   

Minimum terms and conditions