What Do GP Practices Really Look for in Locum Support?

Modern GP consultation room prepared for locum clinician support in a UK primary care setting

When a GP practice brings in a locum, they are not just filling a gap – they are trusting someone to maintain patient safety, team efficiency and care continuity. In a primary care environment where time, resources and capacity are constantly stretched, the right locum makes a real difference.

So, what do practices genuinely value in locum support? And how does Vela Medical Group meet those expectations?

Fast, Seamless Integration

Practices need clinicians who can step in and contribute immediately. There is no time for lengthy inductions or training on clinical systems. Whether it is EMIS, SystmOne or Vision, locums must be confident with the tools and familiar with the pace of primary care.

Vela ensures every clinician is experienced and well-prepared before they arrive. We speak with both clients and candidates to make sure the expectations align and that clinicians are ready to make a positive impact from their first session.

Full Compliance, No Corners Cut

Trust in your workforce starts with confidence in compliance. GP practices expect their agency to manage all vetting, referencing and documentation to CQC standards. Anything less can create unnecessary risk and admin burden.

At Vela, every locum is fully vetted – from enhanced DBS checks and right-to-work verification to clinical qualifications and references. We handle compliance thoroughly and efficiently, so our clients can focus on care, not paperwork.

Responsive, Personalised Support

When staffing gaps arise, practices need more than automated emails. They need real people who understand the pressures, respond quickly and offer solutions that actually work.

Vela offers direct, personalised support through dedicated consultants who specialise in primary care. We build long-term relationships with our clients, so we can move fast when it matters most – whether it is last-minute cover or strategic workforce planning.

Cultural Fit and Team Contribution

Skills and qualifications are essential – but so is fit. Practices want locums who adapt to their team, communicate well and understand the priorities of a busy surgery.

That is why Vela takes time to understand each practice we work with. We match on more than just experience, focusing on who will work well in your environment and deliver continuity for patients.

Why Practices Choose Vela

With our exclusive focus on primary care, Vela Medical Group delivers locum support that’s fast, compliant and tailored to your needs. From GP surgeries to PCNs and urgent care providers, we help clients stay fully staffed with confident, capable clinicians who make a difference.

Looking for better locum support?

If you want a recruitment partner who understands primary care inside out, speak to Vela today. We are ready to support your team with the right people, right when you need them.