Welcome and thank you for your interest in StartLocum. PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING OUR SERVICES.
Within the framework of these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"), the subsequent definitions shall hold true:
"Agency" refers to StartLocum, an established entity situated in West Yorkshire.
"Client" pertains to an individual, practice, or corporation, inclusive of any subsidiary or affiliated company or organization (as defined under the Companies Act 1985), for whom the services of the locum are provided.
"Locum" designates the individual introduced by the Agency or whose services are facilitated by the Agency for the benefit of the Client.
"Assignment" signifies the specific duration throughout which the locum is engaged to furnish services to the Client.
The Locum shall adhere to the following provisions:
Compliance with Regulations: The Locum shall practice in accordance with the Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Performance set forth by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and abide by the prevailing pharmacy laws.
Self-Employment and Tax Responsibility: The Locum is classified as a self-employed individual and bears sole responsibility for fulfilling their tax obligations and National Insurance payments.
Non-Employee Status: The Locum shall never be considered an employee of StartLocum and thus lacks the authority to act on behalf of or represent StartLocum.
General Pharmaceutical Council Registration: The Locum must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and either be a permanent resident of the United Kingdom or possess the necessary eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum & Immigration Act (1996) and other relevant pharmacy regulations. Foreign nationals must not have any passport entries indicating restrictions on their ability to work in the UK.
Work Eligibility for Foreign Nationals: Foreign nationals must not have any passport entries indicating restrictions on their ability to work in the UK.
Professional Indemnity Insurance: If the Locum is a pharmacist or technician, they must possess valid professional indemnity insurance coverage. The Locum bears the responsibility of paying the insurance premiums and ensuring they are adequately covered.
Professional Conduct and Punctuality: The Locum is expected to consistently demonstrate professional conduct, dress appropriately, and arrive and depart at the agreed-upon times. For locum pharmacists, it is recommended to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled booking and contact the Agency to confirm assignment details and any specific practice requirements. Such contact should be made regardless of whether the Locum is the Responsible Pharmacist or not. Any deviations from agreed-upon breaks, start and finish times must be communicated to StartLocum before commencing the Assignment to allow for investigation of any changes.
Competence and Communication: The Locum must possess the necessary confidence in their abilities and skills to meet the Client's business requirements, especially in relation to the Pharmacy Contract Essential Services. In the event of any doubts regarding their professional duties, the Locum must inform the Client or their representative.
Client's Rules and Regulations: The Locum shall adhere to the rules and regulations set by the Client, including Standard Operating Procedures, Information Governance, and all matters pertaining to health and safety at the designated placement premises. The Locum shall refrain from engaging in any conduct that may be detrimental to the interests of the Client or StartLocum.
Communication with Clients: The Locum shall not contact any Client introduced by StartLocum without the prior knowledge and consent of StartLocum. If a booking is made following an introduction by StartLocum must be promptly notified.
Engagement and Acceptance of Assignments: StartLocum will diligently seek suitable assignments for the Locum based on their professional qualifications. However, the Locum retains the freedom to accept or decline any Assignment offered by StartLocum. Accepting an Assignment establishes a binding contractual agreement between the Locum and the Client, which the Locum is expected to honor. In the event that the Locum is unable to fulfill an Assignment within three working days from the designated date, the Locum must make reasonable efforts to arrange a qualified substitute and promptly inform StartLocum. If finding a substitute is not feasible, the Locum must notify StartLocum with sufficient notice to allow for the provision of a replacement Locum.
Compensation Responsibility: In cases where the Client seeks compensation due to the Locum's failure to appear for an agreed Assignment, the responsibility for meeting such compensation lies solely with the Locum, not StartLocum.
Cancellation Policy: The Locum may face consequences for emergency cancellations. The first emergency cancellation (within three working days of the shift) may result in a caution. A second emergency cancellation may lead to a 14-day suspension from the Agency, while a third emergency cancellation may result in permanent suspension. However, StartLocum will take into full consideration any unavoidable circumstances or emergencies. Furthermore, if the Locum provides verifiable proof of an emergency, no action will be taken in response to the cancellation.
Duty to Disclose Unsuitability: If, prior to or during the course of an Assignment, the Locum becomes aware of any reason why they may not be suitable for the Assignment, they must promptly notify StartLocum
Reporting Self-Booking and Direct Booking: The Locum is required to inform StartLocum of all instances where self-booking or direct booking occurs between the Locum and the Client. This information assists StartLocum in ensuring proper invoicing and collecting any outstanding charges owed by the Client. Moreover, if the Locum is directly employed by the Client following their last day working as a Locum, it is essential to notify StartLocum. StartLocum discourages direct communication between locums and clients regarding matters pertaining to StartLocum. Any necessary contact with the client should be made through the agency.
Payment Responsibility: As the Locum is considered self-employed, StartLocum bears no responsibility for payment or collection of any fees owed to the Locum by a Client. In the event of payment difficulties with a Client, the Locum should promptly inform StartLocum.
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Information shared by StartLocum regarding Clients or Assignment opportunities is strictly confidential and remains the property of StartLocum. As a condition of registration, the Locum agrees not to disclose any non-public information obtained through StartLocum to the public domain, using any transmission format. This confidential information includes, but is not limited to, booking details, payment information, and client information not publicly accessible. Transmission formats encompass word of mouth, print media, social media, and any electronic means of publication. Should the Locum breach this confidentiality pledge, they agree to indemnify StartLocum against any losses resulting from such breach. The Locum must not share any information obtained through StartLocum with other Locums or introduce another Locum to a Client without referring them to StartLocum.
Fee and Expense Payment: StartLocum shall not be held responsible for the payment of any fees or expenses incurred by the Locum, regardless of the circumstances leading to non-payment, unless otherwise agreed upon.
Reporting Professional Issues: The Locum must inform StartLocum of any ongoing General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or police investigations, as well as any disciplinary actions that might impact their GPhC registration or ability to obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Records: The Locum is required to maintain an up-to-date record of their CPD program in accordance with relevant GPhC guidelines. When requested by StartLocum, the Locum must provide details of their CPD activities.
Document Submission: Upon request, the Locum shall furnish StartLocum with copies of relevant documents necessary for compliance with UK Agency Regulations, applicable laws, and Client contractual requirements.
Variations to Terms: No modifications or alterations to these terms shall be deemed valid unless agreed upon in writing by StartLocum and the Locum. A copy of the varied terms, stating the effective date, shall be provided to the Locum.
By accepting any Assignment secured through StartLocum, the Locum unequivocally acknowledges their complete agreement with these Terms and Conditions and pledges to abide by them.
Our GDPR outline can be find on our website,www.startlocum.com.