Vet Surgeon Locum Advice

We understand that there are many considerations when becoming a locum Vet, here we offer advice on a few: 

Insurance

Professional Indemnity insurance is vital as this will protect you against claims of professional negligence. 

As a locum, you can be insured either through each practice or by insuring yourself.

If you ask, most practices will put you on the insurance that they use to cover their staff, for the time that you are there. However, if a claim is made against your work after you leave, you will no longer be covered by their insurance.

There are many advantages to insuring yourself, there are many insurance policies available and the cost tends to vary according to the level of cover you choose.  But, once you are covered you don’t need to worry about sorting out cover through each practice you locum for and you will have peace of mind that you are covered to the correct level.

Most practices will insist that you are a member of the Veterinary Defence Society.  VDS membership provides cover to practicing professionals against a claim of negligence.  More information is available from their website: http://www.veterinarydefencesociety.co.uk/

Taxation

As a locum you will be responsible for paying Tax and contributing to National Insurance.

There are several options available to you and your individual circumstances will indicate which is best for you. A reputable accountant will be able to give you the best advice. 

As well as an Accountant or Tax Consultant it is advisable to consult HM Revenue and Customs you can find further information on their website: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

Finding Work

You can either find locum positions yourself through contacting locum employers directly yourself or by advertising your services.

Most locums choose to work with either one of more recruitment agencies to make bookings easier and to ensure a steady stream of work. Carefully selecting which agency to work with can mean a more flexibility, a better choice of jobs and more money!

Why not find more about our FREE job finding service for our locum Vets and see why they like us best!

Accommodation

Some locum positions will offer accommodation either on site or away from the practice in a separate house, flat or B and B.  Standards of accommodation vary greatly from basic facilities to very luxurious abodes.

If you are using accommodation, it is a good idea to check when you can move in and when you will have to be out. If you are bringing animals with you, please agree this in advance.

It is also advisable to do an inventory check of the accommodation and makes sure everything is in good working order with the practice owner/manager before moving in and make sure you have keys to get in and out, and alarm codes if needed. 

Vehicles  

Some practices will offer locums the use of a vehicle, usually for business purposes, such as travelling to and from work and for work related activities. Some will also allow minimal personal usage, but this should be clarified in advance. 

You are under no obligation to use your own vehicle at your own expense.

If you are happy to use your own vehicle for work related activities, be clear that you will be charging mileage and vehicle usage costs and gain agreement before accepting the booking. 

Again, if you are undertaking dirty work with your own vehicle for business purposes, you may wish to charge a valeting or damages fee and this should be clearly agreed with the practice before hand, this may also apply for ambulance duties, if you do not wish to use your vehicle for this purpose make sure you are provided with contacts for local pet ambulance services.

For further information regarding vehicle charges and expenses visit the HM Revenue and Customs website: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk 

Whether you are using the practices vehicle or your own make sure you are have the correct insurance in place either through your own of the practices vehicle insurance policy.

Some insurance policies will not accept foreign drivers licenses and it may be necessary to exchange to a current UK drivers license, for more information,visit: www.dvla.gov.uk