Guides & insights
Guides & Insights
Expert guidance on GP recruitment, primary care careers, NHS workforce, ARRS funding and the latest developments across UK primary care.
Primary care guides
Guides for GPs, clinicians and practice leaders
Practical, up-to-date guidance on locum work, ARRS roles, PCNs, compliance and recruitment.
Locum vs Salaried GP: Which Career Path Is Right for You in 2025?
Whether you're newly qualified or considering a change, the choice between locum and salaried general practice is one of the biggest career decisions a GP will make. We break down the key differences — from income and flexibility to IR35, pensions, and long-term career development — to help you decide.
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Understanding the ARRS Scheme: A Complete Guide for PCN Directors
The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme funds a wide range of clinical roles within PCNs. We explain what's eligible, how to claim, and which roles offer the best value for your network's patient population.
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How to Become a Locum GP in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about making the move to locum practice? From GMC registration and indemnity to finding your first sessions, here's everything you need to know before leaving your salaried post.
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What Is a Primary Care Network (PCN)? A Complete Guide for Clinicians
Primary Care Networks have reshaped how GP services are delivered in England. This guide explains how PCNs work, what they mean for your practice, and how ARRS roles fit into the wider workforce model.
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CQC Inspection Readiness: What Every GP Practice Needs to Know in 2025
The CQC inspection framework has evolved significantly. We cover the key areas inspectors focus on, how to prepare your documentation, and what the new evidence categories mean for your practice rating.
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IR35 and Locum GPs: Everything You Need to Know About Your Tax Status
IR35 continues to create confusion for locum GPs working through limited companies. We explain the off-payroll working rules, what they mean for GP locums in NHS settings, and how to stay compliant.
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ANP vs ACP: Understanding the Difference in Primary Care
Advanced Nurse Practitioner or Advanced Clinical Practitioner — the distinction matters for your registration, scope of practice, and which roles you're eligible for. Here's how to tell the difference and plan your career accordingly.
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PCN Workforce Planning: How to Build a Sustainable ARRS Team
With ARRS funding windows tightening and patient demand rising, strategic workforce planning has never been more important for PCN Clinical Directors. This guide covers clinical mix, role prioritisation, and recruitment timelines.
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The Rise of Same-Day Access in Primary Care: What It Means for Staffing
Same-day access hubs and urgent treatment centres are expanding rapidly across England. We examine how this is reshaping demand for ECPs, ENPs, and urgent care GPs — and what it means for locum availability.
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Top 10 Salaried GP Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)
Preparing for a salaried GP interview? From clinical governance and QOF to workload management and partnership ambitions, we cover the questions you'll almost certainly face — and how to answer them with confidence.
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GMC Revalidation: A Practical Guide for UK GPs and Locums
Revalidation every five years is a requirement for all licensed GPs. We walk through the appraisal process, what supporting information you need to gather, and how locum GPs can meet their revalidation requirements without a designated body.
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How to Manage Your Locum Diary Effectively and Maximise Your Income
From blocking sessions and managing last-minute gaps to negotiating rates and staying on top of compliance renewals — the practical guide to running a successful locum career without the admin overwhelm.
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How to Recruit Successfully in Primary Care: A Practical Guide for GP Practices
Recruiting a permanent GP or advanced practitioner in 2025 is harder than ever — but the practices that succeed consistently do things differently. We cover salary benchmarking, process speed, interview approach, contracts, partnership pathways, and Tier 2 sponsorship.
Read guideOverseas doctors library
Moving to the UK to practise medicine
63 articles on GMC registration, visas, exams and settling into life and work in the UK.
- GMC Registration (12)
- UK Visas & Immigration (7)
- Exams & Qualifications (18)
- Understanding the NHS (10)
- Life in the UK (16)
GMC Registration
Understanding Appraisals and Revalidation for Doctors in the UK
Appraisals and revalidation explained for doctors moving to the UK: what annual appraisals involve, the five-year GMC revalidation cycle and how to prepare.
Read guide GMC RegistrationCertificates of Good Standing: What They Are and Why You Need Them for GMC Registration
Why the GMC asks for a Certificate of Good Standing, who needs one, how to request it from each regulator you have worked with and what to do if you can’t.
Read guide GMC RegistrationOET & IELTS – Key Differences Explained
OET or IELTS? A side-by-side look at test structure, preparation, scoring, costs and GMC acceptance to help international doctors choose the right test.
Read guideUK Visas & Immigration
Proving Your Right to Work to Your NHS Employer
How to prove your right to work to an NHS employer: who needs to, acceptable documents, share codes and eVisas, how checks work and common issues to avoid.
Read guide UK Visas & ImmigrationStandard Visitor Visa for the UK
Visiting the UK for PLAB, an interview or a clinical attachment? What the Standard Visitor Visa allows, who needs one and how to apply as an overseas doctor.
Read guide UK Visas & ImmigrationCertificate of Sponsorship Explained
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship? How UK hospitals assign a CoS to overseas doctors, why you need its number for your visa and the deadline to apply.
Read guideAll UK Visas & Immigration articles
Exams & Qualifications
FRCPath Haematology: A Guide for Overseas Doctors
FRCPath Haematology explained for overseas doctors: who needs it, Part 1 and Part 2 exam structure, how to prepare, typical costs and challenges to plan for.
Read guide Exams & QualificationsFRCPath Medical Microbiology: A Guide for Overseas Doctors
FRCPath Medical Microbiology for overseas doctors: what the exam covers, the Part 1 and Part 2 format, how to prepare and the costs and logistics involved.
Read guide Exams & QualificationsFRCR Clinical Oncology Overview
FRCR Clinical Oncology explained: the First FRCR, Final Part A and Part B exams, who needs them, how to prepare and what overseas oncologists should expect.
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Understanding the NHS
Medical Defence Cover: What Overseas Doctors Need to Know in the UK
Medical defence cover explained for overseas doctors in the UK: what it covers, how CNST fits in, the main MDOs, typical costs and how to arrange your cover.
Read guide Understanding the NHSThe MTI Scheme and GMC Sponsorship
How the Medical Training Initiative works: two years of NHS training, eligibility, GMC sponsorship without PLAB, the visa process and the scheme’s limits.
Read guide Understanding the NHSNHS Employee Benefits
What the NHS offers doctors beyond pay: annual leave, pension, parental and sick pay, study leave, wellbeing support and relocation help for overseas hires.
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Life in the UK
Accommodation for Doctors Relocating to the UK
Finding somewhere to live after relocating to the UK as a doctor: short-term stays, NHS accommodation, renting, buying and the trust support on offer.
Read guide Life in the UKMobile Phones in the UK
Sorting a mobile phone after moving to the UK: checking your handset works, contracts versus pay as you go, the major networks and tips for getting set up.
Read guide Life in the UKOpening a UK Bank Account
Opening a UK bank account as an overseas doctor: when to apply, which banks to consider, the documents you need and how to be ready for your first NHS pay.
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