Video Introduction
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There are now 2 Networks of Locum WhatsApp groups:
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1) One for Locum GPs and Practice/Rota Managers
Join using this link (ID will be confirmed): https://bit.ly/GPLocumGroups
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2) Another for other Locum HCPs who work in General Practice - ANPs, Nurses, Physician Associates, Paramedics, HCAs, Pharmacists, NPs, ECPs, ACPs etc
Join using this link (ID will be confirmed): https://bit.ly/HCPLocumGroups
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[Practice/Rota Managers & GP Partners may join both networks to post jobs]
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FAQs
What are the Locum GP WhatsApp groups?
There are multiple WhatsApp groups covering England, Wales and Scotland. Practices and Locum GPs may join the groups for free by using the first link above. Practices can post locum requirements in the groups and Locums can contact the practices directly if they can help. This is a free service. T&Cs are negotiated directly between Locum GPs and the Practices.
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Are there any rules?
By joining/deciding to remain in the groups, you agree to behave in a professional manner (no spamming/copying personal data etc). 999111 may communicate with you occasionally however to help improve its service to you and the community. The 'Locum' groups are to be used for advertising and responding to Locum Ads only. The 'Chat' groups are for professional chat/Q&As/networking.
What is WhatsApp?
To familiarise yourself with the workings of WhatsApp please see www.whatsapp.com.
Can we discuss fees in the groups?
Please see: https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/pay/gp-pay/competition-law-and-locum-gps
What does a practice manager need to know?
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Please mention your Practice name/location/system and contact details when posting.
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Please leave a message in the group once a position has been filled.
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Can I join more than one group?
Locums may join more than one group. Practices should join their local group only.
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I am a GP partner. Can I join as a locum GP as well as on behalf of my practice?
Yes!
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Can I post permanent jobs/salaried jobs in the groups?
The WhatsApp groups are for Locum jobs only. You are welcome to post permanent jobs in General Practice (for GPs and other HCPs) in the Facebook GP Jobs Groups or in the Locum GP WhatsApp 'Chat' groups (GP jobs only).
What restrictions are there?
There are none! 999111 provides the platform to connect. All negotiation and agreements are between the individual Locum GP/HCP and Practice. Locums can continue to contribute to the NHS Pension scheme and Practice Managers can of course use a locum agency if unable to find cover via their WhatsApp group. Practice managers can also approach locum GPs directly in future (if they like a particular GP/HCP who has covered for their practice before!)
My group is quiet with few members - shall I leave?
Please stay! It will encourage other to join gradually.
I have heard about the sister 'Chat' groups - what are they?
There are sister Whatsapp ‘Chat’ groups (green stethoscope icon) for every area. Chat groups may contain Locums, Partners and Practice Managers (just like the locum groups) but they are for professional chat/Q&As and networking.
How can I 'mute' a group?
Tap on the group name at the top, then 'mute' then select the duration. You will still receive messages but your phone will not vibrate nor make a sound. You can also unmute.
How do I permanently leave a group?
You do not need to seek permission from me! If you wish to leave a group permanently tap on the group name at the top, scroll down to the bottom and tap on ‘exit group’. You can ask to rejoin at any time.
Will my contact details be shared?
No! Be aware however that members in your WhatsApp group can see the contact numbers for the members within that group. If you become aware of any spam messages then please inform me immediately as this is is not professional/reasonable use of the groups.
Do you have a Facebook group?
Yes - a few! Please see the Facebook Groups page here.
How can I give feedback?
Please text, WhatsApp, email or use the form on the Contacts page – your suggestions and feedback are most appreciated and always taken into consideration.
Which other organisations have you worked with?
Cogora which organises Pulse Live events agreed to mutually cross-advertise events and services for a while in 2017-18. I have also received kind support from Dr John Bidwell, a retired GP who had been doing something similar with great success in the North West for the past several years (www.gplocum.org). I would also like to say a big thank you to all of the individual GPs, Practice Managers and others who have been instrumental in spreading the word about 999111!
Sponsorship Opportunities
This service is being provided for free. I value the support everyone has given in spreading the word about 999111. The hope is to raise some funds from sponsors to cover runnings costs as well as to increase the services offered to Primary Care. Anyone interested in sponsoring 999111 is welcome to get in touch.
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Locum GP WhatsApp Group Rules
(last updated 22/7/25)
SOCIAL MEDIA USE
Members in the group must abide by GMC Guidance on Social Media use:
INTERACTION WITH COLLEAGUES
Members must interact with colleagues in a manner expected by the GMC:
PURPOSE OF THE GROUPS
The groups are for:
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Locum GP Jobs Groups (red stethoscope icon) = for posting and responding to locum GP jobs ONLY
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Locum GP Chat Groups (green stethoscope icon) = for professional conversations mainly concerned with work-related issues in the local area but also health-related matters nationally and posting of non-locum jobs
The main objective of each group is to help improve communication and provide support for local colleagues in their daily working lives within the area.
GROUP MEMBERSHIP
These groups are primarily for GPs, Practice Managers & Rota Managers. They are not for agencies.
New members must join by filling in this form: https://bit.ly/GPLocumGroups
Members MUST NOT directly add others to the groups nor share the group links but can forward the above form to colleagues instead. This is to ensure that only appropriate members join the groups.
Admin may occasionally add members to the groups other than GPs/PMs/Rota Managers in order to help facilitate the running of the groups (eg for help with admin/tech/legal advice).
Admin may remove members who have joined the group inappropriately.
DISAGREEMENT & DEBATE
Disagreement and debate is allowed so long as it remains kind, respectful (see GMC guidance) and is of benefit to the vast majority of group members.
POLARISING TOPICS
Posts deemed by Admin to be potentially polarising, especially if unlikely to be resolved through discussion and debate within the group are not allowed. This is because such topics can take over the main theme of the group and make it difficult to see other messages that members may wish to post. They can also cause resentment between members and risk the posting of messages which members may later regret (see GMC guidance).
ADMIN MODERATION
If a post is deemed to be inappropriate by Admin or a group rule is broken a reminder may be placed in the group or a private message sent to an individual (or both). Admins may also delete inappropriate posts if within the WhatsApp timeframe limit.
If this fails to bring about a change then a formal warning may be issued. If this does not help then an individual may be removed from the group temporarily until they agree to abide by the group rules. A member may be removed permanently if they have been removed once before already. Members who ‘Block’ Admin and cannot receive important PMs may be removed from the group(s).
CHANGES TO GROUP RULES
The Group Rules may be amended in future. Please use the link in the group description to access the up-to-date rules.
Thank you!
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Feedback
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'Thanks Amin. I’ll inform my colleagues and PM of the service. Thumbs up for setting up the service. Regards'
Locum GP (Herefordshire)
'Yes such a great idea, makes you wonder why no one thought of this before!'
Locum GP (Birmingham)
'That's very good initiative
If we all combine like this we could save loads of money instead of paying to agencies'
Locum GP (Cheshire)
'You have taken time and effort to do something so innovative and that needs to be appreciated without doubt ! We have got a group practice and I've emailed my other partners to approve registering the practices on your groups for future Locum covers'
GP Partner (London)
'Sure Amin. Thanks for adding me. I will meet quite a few of my colleagues at the teaching tomorrow and will try to get them to join us'
GP ST3 (Warwickshire)
'It's such a great idea. I will mention it at the next practice managers seminar'
Practice Manager (Harrow)
'Thanks Amin, brilliant idea :)'
GP Partner (West Suffolk)
'I filled them with a mixture - some on WhatsApp and some through direct relationships we have established with locums. The WhatsApp group has been absolutely brilliant for us and has introduced us to at least 6 locums since I joined the group in November. It has enabled us to fill about 95% of our locum need and we have been through a difficult period over the last 3 months where we have had a lot of quite last minute requirements... What I love is that I can post a message in seconds and it goes out to a large number of locums. It is just so easy. With our locums who are not on Whattsapp we have to message separately which is far more time consuming. I have been considering asking all our locums to join and saying that this will be the only way I will use advertise our requirements in the future'
Practice Manager (Coventry)
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'Thank you so much
So helpful as always
Also just wanted to say thank you once again - I’ve been working as a locum for the last 4 years and only recently moved to London - and due to your ingenious WhatsApp group - I’ve not had any difficulties obtaining sessions - so thank you so very much !'
Dr G Akhtar, Locum GP (London)