What Makes a Great Locum? (And How Vela Finds Them)

Learn what makes a great Primary Care locum and how Vela Medical Group delivers the best clinicians for practices. Expert locum recruitment for NHS and private care.

In Primary Care, not every locum is created equal. A great locum does more than just cover shifts. They become a trusted part of the practice, even if only for a short time. They make an impact quickly, bring stability when it is needed most, and leave a positive mark on both teams and patients.

So what makes a great locum?

  • Flexibility: Every practice runs differently. Great locums adapt fast, fit straight in, and make themselves useful from day one.
  • Clinical excellence: Skills matter. The best locums stay sharp, stay compliant, and bring up-to-date knowledge to every shift.
  • Strong communication: Being clear, approachable, and proactive builds confidence with patients, colleagues, and practice managers alike.
  • Reliability: Turning up on time, staying until the job is done, and stepping in when needed builds serious trust.
  • Patient-first mindset: Great locums never lose sight of why they do what they do. Every patient matters, every day.

How does Vela find them?
At Vela, we don’t send CVs and hope for the best. We dig deeper.
We get to know every locum personally, from their skills and specialisms to their style of working and their career ambitions. We fully vet, reference, and regularly check in with our locums to make sure they are always delivering at the highest standard.

Because when you work with Vela, you are not just filling a gap. You are building a stronger, safer, better service for your patients.

Looking for a standout locum? Or ready to join the best? Speak to the Vela team today and see how we are changing the game in Primary Care staffing.