Locum Doctors Appraisal: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Working as a locum has its perks. You choose your shifts, your locations, and often your own hours. But there's one thing that catches a lot of locum doctors off guard: sorting out your own appraisal. 

Unlike doctors employed directly by a trust, locums don't always have someone chasing them about revalidation deadlines. That responsibility falls on you. So let's talk about what a locum doctors appraisal actually involves and how to get it sorted without the stress. 

Why Is Appraisal Different for Locums? 

If you're employed full-time by one NHS trust, your appraisal is usually organised for you. Simple as that. 

Locum work doesn't quite fit that mould. You might be working across several trusts, moving between agencies, or splitting your time between NHS and private practice. That means: 

• No single employer is automatically responsible for your appraisal 
• You need to actively arrange your own GMC revalidation process 
• You're responsible for gathering your own supporting information throughout the year 
• You choose your own appraiser, rather than being assigned one 

It sounds like more admin, and honestly, it can be. But once you know what's expected, it becomes far more manageable. 

What Do You Actually Need for Your Appraisal? 

Whether you're a GP locum, hospital locum, or working across multiple specialties, the core requirements stay fairly similar: 

• A completed personal development plan from your previous appraisal 
• Evidence of CPD activity throughout the year 
• Feedback from colleagues and patients, where applicable 
• Any significant events or complaints, logged properly 
• Reflections on your practice and learning 

The tricky part for locums is consistency. When you're moving between placements, it's easy to lose track of documentation. Keeping a simple, ongoing folder (digital or otherwise) saves a huge headache later. 

Finding the Right Appraiser as a Locum 

This is where many locum doctors get stuck. Who do you even ask? 

You don't need to be tied to one trust to get a proper appraisal. Independent appraisal services across the UK specialise specifically in supporting locum doctors and doctors without a single employing organisation. 

A good appraiser should: 

• Understand the unique challenges of locum work 
• Be familiar with NHS appraisals as well as independent practice 
• Help you pull together evidence from multiple placements into one clear picture 
• Support you ahead of your revalidation submission, not just tick a box 

How Often Do Locum Doctors Need an Appraisal? 

Same as everyone else, really. Appraisals happen annually, and your revalidation cycle runs every five years. The difference is that as a locum, you're the one keeping track of the calendar. 

Missing an appraisal year isn't the end of the world, but it does create extra work later on. Staying on top of it annually keeps things simple. 

Tips to Make Locum Appraisals Easier 

A few small habits make a big difference: 

Keep a running file. Save CPD certificates, feedback, and reflections as you go, rather than scrambling in the final month. 

Book early. Popular appraisers get booked up, especially close to revalidation deadlines. 

Ask about advisory support. If you're unsure where your portfolio stands, a quick advisory chat beforehand can highlight gaps early. 

Stay consistent with placements. If you work across several trusts or agencies, try to keep a clear record of where and when, so nothing gets missed. 

Who Is This Really For? 

This applies to GP locums, hospital locums, SAS doctors working flexibly, and independent practitioners across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you don't have one single employer managing your revalidation for you, this is exactly the kind of appraisal support worth understanding properly. 

Final Thoughts 

Being a locum doctors appraisal gives you freedom, but it also means taking ownership of things like appraisal and revalidation yourself. It's not complicated once you know the steps, and with the right appraiser, it becomes a straightforward yearly task rather than a source of stress. 

If you're due an appraisal soon, it's worth getting ahead of it now rather than leaving it until the deadline creeps up. 

 

FAQs 

Do locum doctors need an appraisal every year?  

Yes. Appraisals are required annually, regardless of whether you're employed directly or working as a locum. 

Who arranges the appraisal if I work for multiple trusts?  

As a locum, it's your responsibility to arrange your own appraisal, usually through an independent appraiser. 

What if I don't have enough supporting information?  

This is common for locums moving between placements. An advisory chat beforehand can help identify gaps before your formal appraisal. 

Can I use the same appraiser every year?  

Yes, many locum doctors prefer to stick with one appraiser for consistency, though it's not compulsory. 

How far in advance should I book my appraisal? 

 Ideally a few weeks ahead, especially if you're approaching your revalidation deadline, as appraiser availability can get tight.