In the dynamic world of healthcare, flexibility and opportunity are key for professionals and employers. Your World offers Physiotherapy locum jobs at all levels, helping you find the right placements throughout the UK.

If you are a new Physiotherapy graduate looking for Band 5 jobs, we have opportunities for you. If you are a Band 7 seeking specialised roles, we can help. If you are a Physiotherapy assistant wanting to gain more experience, we have options for you, too. We tailor our opportunities to match your skills and goals.

Our Physiotherapy locums are more than just temporary workers. Many have been with us for over five years and have built strong relationships that help them find meaningful and satisfying jobs.

We are dedicated to helping professionals grow. We offer supportive placements and an easy recruitment process. Our goal is to be the best Physiotherapy locum agency.

We spoke with three of our fantastic Physiotherapists, including recent graduates and experienced Band 7 Physiotherapists. They shared their experiences with us.

How do you manage the transition between different placements as an agency Physiotherapist?

E: Transitioning from one placement to another can sometimes feel daunting for an agency Physiotherapist. This situation especially applies if you have held the previous role for a while and are accustomed to the systems there. I manage the transition to a new role by researching the facility/trust and clarifying expectations with the manager.

I like to ask about the clinical caseload and common cases. I also want to know the expected number of services per day. I am interested in the discharge planning protocols for patient care.

Additionally, I want to learn about any specific skills or techniques needed for this role. This will help me prepare mentally for it and hit the ground running.

C: First, I try to communicate as much in advance as possible with the team leader of a new placement before my first day. I try to learn what my role will be and what their expectations are. I always ask if that particular team or department uses specific conditions or treatment protocols.

I usually make a practice journey to the clinic before starting so I know of any difficulties with travel. This may include parking, traffic works, and time and distance of the journey. I will ask the team leader for a clear handover. This is important if I take over a caseload from another locum or Therapist. 

A: I keep a record of everything to not struggle in the next role. I am always organised and proactive with procedures and processes, so I struggle less when I first join. I aim to build good relationships with colleagues, co-workers and admin which helps immensely.

What are the key benefits and challenges you’ve encountered with Physiotherapy locum work?

E: For me personally, the most significant benefit of locum Physiotherapy jobs is the flexibility. I'm an Australian on a working holiday visa. I've enjoyed working temporarily in the UK for a few months and then taking breaks to travel.

One challenge of locum work is the limited time needed to get used to a new job. There is also an expectation to learn quickly. At first, I found this a bit scary. Now, it feels easier. I have worked in a few different jobs in the UK and adjusted to the fast-paced system. 

C: The benefits are better pay per hour and weekly pay and more flexible working hours. I can also accommodate responsibilities such as childcare and my private practice work.

The challenges I face include starting work immediately. I often have a heavy caseload on my first day. I need to treat patients independently and with little supervision.

Learning the names of new colleagues, the layout of departments, and available equipment can be challenging. I also have to learn new IT equipment and passwords on day one. However, in my long career as a Physio, the benefits have always suited me and have outweighed the challenges.

A: The main issue I face as an agency Physiotherapist is completing many compliance processes for different agencies. Following rules can be slow and take a long time. Different agencies have different methods, which can make things take even longer.

How do you ensure continuity of care for your patients when moving between different assignments?

E: Before I leave a role, I prepare a detailed written and verbal handover. This is for the team leader and therapists who will take over my caseload. This includes sharing detailed information about each patient's progress, treatment plans, goals, and any specific considerations/to-do items.

I make sure my notes on therapy sessions are clear and simple. I keep them up-to-date. This way, anyone who takes over can easily understand the patient’s current status.

They can continue to care smoothly. I also make sure to inform my patients of my impending departure so that they are prepared for a new therapist. 

C: I always ensure that I take on any locum role in a setting where I have experience. It's hard for a department to hire a less experienced locum. There may not be enough supervision and training for them. I believe this is the most crucial factor in being a locum Physiotherapist.

Secondly, I will make sure there is a detailed handover and induction ahead of the first day, if possible. I will research any treatments or conditions that may be unfamiliar or that I have not treated for some time.

I will check the rules and guidelines. This will help me feel comfortable in the new workplace. Then, I will decide if I want to take the job.

A: My best advice for any locum Physiotherapist is to communicate well. Make sure you have a handover sheet for the next Physiotherapist. Good standards and clear and comprehensive notes are essential to help any health professionals taking over the clinic.

A patient-focused approach to care is important. It is also crucial to stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices. Additionally, being aware of local and national guidelines is necessary.

How do you stay updated with professional development and continuing education while working in various temporary positions?

E: I have been lucky to access professional development and continuing education opportunities at several of my jobs so far. As a temporary Physiotherapist, I have learned to find my own education through online courses, webinars, and professional journals. 

C: I use online platforms for my CPD. These have been very common since COVID-19 and are a great way to maintain standards and new practices.

They offer reading resources, online master classes, video learning, exams, and reflective learning. Using reflective practice from every placement helps maintain knowledge and expected standards.

I use resources from CSP and HCPC. My experience in private practice helps me maintain high work standards, even when I take on locum or Agency jobs.

A: Taking different courses and seminars is a great way to keep up with your growth as a Physiotherapist. Participating in case discussions and reading new NICE guidelines and articles keeps you updated and is important.

How has your experience been working as an agency locum alongside Your World Healthcare?

E: I have been so pleased with Your World Healthcare’s support and expertise in the UK. My recruitment agent, James, has always been exceptionally proactive and communicative when I'm searching for a new role. 

C: I have enjoyed working with Your World. I arranged all my mandatory training and received a free-of-charge DBS and name badge.

They offer good pay rates. I get paid on time. I have little to worry about because Emily manages my placement and arrangements.

I have worked with Emily for many years, and she always puts my mind at rest. I can phone her and ask for opportunities to locum, and she will seemingly pull rabbits out of hats for me.

I usually have no problems with my placements because she assigns me to roles that match my skills and experience. She has always supported me when needed. She has always come through and delivered if I need help with part-time or full-time work.

I have recommended Emily to other locum Physios and will continue to do so. I have often referred to her as a "legend", and I still believe she deserves such a lofty title! I can say, hand on heart, she has never let me down. 

A: Your World Healthcare is one of the best agencies I have worked with for Physiotherapy locum jobs in the UK. I owe this to Ozgur.

He has been incredibly helpful throughout the whole journey. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have considered starting the locum role I am currently in. He has made everything so smooth and easy.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to any Physiotherapists considering locum work?

E: UK locum Physiotherapy agencies need you to be flexible and open to various experiences. Locum Physiotherapy roles offer a unique opportunity to work in different settings. Different patient populations and treatment approaches all help broaden your knowledge and enhance your skills. 

C: One piece of advice I have for anyone considering working with a locum Physiotherapy agency is to prepare. Be prepared to work hard from day one, with a heavy caseload and most likely on your own.

Gain experience first. Try to do as many rotations or placements as you can.

This will help you gain experience in your field. It will also help you build a CV that shows your skills. Once you have done that, the rewards make locum Physiotherapy work worth the effort.

A: Organise by preparing all mandatory training and certificates for the next job opportunities. Don't let the time length of the process dishearten you, as finding the right role for you is worth the wait! Lastly, choose a good agency, such as Your World Healthcare, that can make a lot of difference.