Locum work is particularly important in rural and remote areas, and areas affected by staff shortages. In the past, Senior Doctors would often choose locum employment as a way of ‘easing into retirement’. However, nowadays, doctors of all ages and stages of their career are choosing to work in locum employment and find it provides many benefits including:

• flexibility and work-life balance

• financial incentives

• variety and travel

• skill development and specialisation

• exposure to different healthcare settings

Trust Grade/SHO/RMOs have completed foundation training and are ready to expand their competencies and refine their skills in particular areas of medicine. They can apply for Specialty Training (ST), Internal Medicine Training (IMT), or GP Specialty Training (GPST) programs. These postgraduate training programs can take between 3-8 years to complete and involve many hours of hard work, skill assessment and exams. Doctors at this level who don’t enrol in formal training programs, for various reasons, can still apply for Trust Grade/ Senior House Officer/Resident Medical Officer/Junior Fellowship positions (or equivalent ST1/2, IMY1/2). These positions require GMC registration, and although not considered ‘training’ posts, they provide a good opportunity for further skill development and experience. Doctors in these positions can often request signoffs of competencies to support the continuation of their career.