1. Whilst recruiting, Healthcare Professionals shall ensure that:
(a) each candidate is registered with the relevant professional body and that he/she is required to declare any pending proceedings by the GMC/NMC/HPC against him/her at the time in the future. Healthcare Professionals should check that the candidate has not been suspended, or is only permitted to practice under prescribed conditions.
(b) doctors are recommended to join a medical defence organisation.
(c) every effort has been made to obtain the work assessment form from the candidate’s most recent assignment. Candidates who refuse to supply a copy of their most recent work assessment report should not be supplied to an assignment.
(d) each candidate's professional references are satisfactory and current. (i.e. at least one reference must be from the most recent employer).
(e) if applicable, each candidate is required to complete a comprehensive health screening questionnaire and provide an up to date Hepatitis B Certificate from a recognised UK Laboratory.
(f) the terms of the candidate's relationship to Healthcare Professionals are given to the doctor in full and in writing.
(g) candidates are made aware that they are not exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and that they are required to disclose all criminal convictions (and cautions). Candidates should also be required to consent to a criminal record check, which should be carried out where appropriate. Candidates should also be required to inform Healthcare Professionals if they are arrested or convicted or cautioned in relation to any criminal offence.
(h) for locum assignments the remuneration paid to the candidate by Healthcare Professionals is calculated on an hourly basis, is determined in accordance with Healthcare Professionals’s current scale of payments and is paid in full and on a regular basis without regard to whether Healthcare Professionals has been paid by the Client.
(i) The checks are made to ensure eligibility for candidates to work in the UK.
2. When placing candidates with a Client Healthcare Professionals shall ensure that:
(a) The candidate has the requisite qualifications, experience and training for the work he/she is to undertake, and that the needs of the candidates and of the client are taken properly into account.
(b) The terms and conditions under which a candidate is supplied are given in advance to the Client in full and in writing.
(c) Employing authorities are furnished with the following information:-
- The candidate's full name as in the medical register.
- Registrable and additional registrable (higher) qualifications.
- GMC/NMC/HPC registration status (which shall be confirmed at the time of submission) and where applicable details of any defence membership will be given.
- Names and addresses of references (with a copy of the references to be made available on request).
- Where applicable, confirmation of Hepatitis B and if required ionising radiation certificate status.
- >Doctors are only to be supplied to general practices and private hospital bookings if they have current defence cover.
(d) Copies of the items mentioned in paragraph 5 part c, should be readily available for inspection by the client.
(e) Every reasonable opportunity exists for a representative of the employing authority (usually a member of the senior medical/clinical staff) to interview the candidate.
(f) Where possible, the desirability of maintaining continuity (in the interests of patient care) is given priority when assigning candidates.
(g) That all candidates can provide proof of identification e.g.passport,driving licence,or identity badge with photo, if required by the client.
3. If a complaint is made by a client about a candidate's conduct or about Healthcare Professionals’s services, Healthcare Professionals will request that the client will provide them with written details, and access to files, If necessary, so that the matter can be investigated under the REC recommended complaints procedure.
4. Agencies are required to verify a candidates availability and willingness to carry out a booking before giving his or her name to a hospital.
5. All agency staff should have training for the placement of candidates, appropriate to their role in the organisation.
