Useful Information

This area provides general information for visitors, such Useful Contacts for those running an medical agency, as well as advice on what to be aware of when Setting up a Medical Agency

Useful Contacts

General Medical Council
The General Medical Council (GMC) licenses doctors to practice medicine in the UK. Our purpose is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine.

British Medical Association
The British Medical Association is the professional association for doctors. With over 137,000 members, representing practising doctors in the UK and overseas and medical students, the BMA is the voice of the profession and students.

Criminal Records Bureau
The CRB provides a regulated 'one stop' service for England and Wales offering access to records held by the police, together with those held by the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Department of Health
The Department of Health is committed to improving the quality and convenience of care provided by the NHS and social services. Its work includes setting national standards, shaping the direction of health and social care services and promoting healthier living.

NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency
The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health, established on 1 April 2000.

Formed as a result of recommendations contained in the Cabinet Office Review of NHS Procurement (published in June 1999) the Agency, together with its sister organisation the NHS Logistics Authority, replace the special health authority NHS Supplies.

NHS Framework Agreements
The Professional Services section provides NHS trusts and health authorities with market knowledge, advice and regional and national contracts for temporary staff, recruitment advertising and, over the next few years, other professional services. The section's work currently covers temporary staffing and recruitment advertising.

International Recruitment
Department of Health Code of Practice for International Recruitment

 Setting up a Medical Agency

• All Medical Agencies are governed by the Conduct of Employment Agencies Act Regulations
• All locum doctors need to be CRB checked
• There is an NHS PASA contract for Allied Healthcare Professionals. As well as an NHS contract for locum doctors and GPs. This was awarded in 2005 and will run for three years.
• Information about the NHS Framework Agreements can be found here