Choosing between permanent and locum roles is a significant decision in any Allied Health Professional (AHP) career. Both paths offer unique benefits, but how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you're seeking job security and career progression or craving flexibility and variety, understanding the key differences can help guide your choice.
Let’s explore what each option brings to the table and how to decide which suits your professional and personal goals.
What Are Permanent Roles?
A permanent role is your classic, steady gig—the kind where you commit to a long-term position with a single employer. As a permanent AHP, you enjoy job security, regular hours, and a comprehensive benefits package. This often includes things like health insurance, paid leave, and pension contributions, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your income is stable and predictable.
But that’s not all. Long-term jobs often come with opportunities for career progression. Whether it's through gaining new skills, moving up the ranks to managerial positions, or staying within a specific healthcare speciality, permanent jobs offer the chance to grow and build long-term relationships with both your colleagues and patients.
The downside? The lack of flexibility. You’ll likely have fewer opportunities to change your work environment or speciality unless you transition within the same organisation, which can sometimes feel limiting.
What Are Locum Roles?
On the flip side, temporary duties are the opposite of permanent positions in many ways. As a locum AHP, you’re essentially a temporary worker, usually filling in for someone on leave or covering a short-term vacancy. The real draw here is the flexibility. You can choose your assignments, work in different settings, and even explore various specialities without being tied down to one organisation.
The benefits of being a locum AHP are clear: the variety of experiences you gain, the opportunity to network with different teams, and the ability to maintain a betterwork-life balance. If you love the idea of working in different locations and taking on new challenges regularly, locum roles might be the perfect fit for you.
However, there are some challenges. Locums typically don’t have the same job security as permanent staff, and you might miss out on employee benefits like paid leave and health insurance. The role also comes with the uncertainty of occasional gaps between contracts, which can be a concern for some professionals.
What Makes Permanent and Locum Work for AHPs Similar?
Permanent and temporary work for allied health professionals (AHPs) share several similarities, even though their duration and nature of commitment differ. Here are the key aspects that make them alike:
1. Skillset and Expertise
Both work arrangements require the same professional qualifications, registration with the HCPC in the UK, and clinical expertise to provide high-quality patient care.
2. Patient-Centred Care
Whether working short-term or long-term, AHPs are responsible for delivering the same high standard of care and adhering to best practices in their respective specialities.
3. Compliance and Regulations
Both types of positions require compliance with healthcare regulations, ethical standards, and workplace policies, including maintaining updated CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records.
4. Work Environments
Permanent and temporary AHPs often work in similar settings—hospitals, clinics, community centres, or private practices—and use the same equipment and facilities.
5. Team Collaboration
Both types of work involve working as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
6. Job Responsibilities
Temporary and permanent AHPs are often assigned similar duties, such as conducting assessments, creating care plans, and performing interventions.
7. Professional Growth Opportunities
Both roles offer opportunities to develop new skills, network within the healthcare community, and advance professionally.
How to Decide Which Role is Right for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between permanent and locum jobs. Here are key considerations to help you make the right decision:
Assess Your Priorities: What matters most to you in your career? If stability and career progression are your top priorities, a permanent role might be the right choice. If flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to work in different settings appeal to you, locum roles could be a better fit.
Speak with industry professionals: Connecting with other AHPs or colleagues in similar roles can provide valuable insight into the pros and cons of each type of position. Talking to people who have experience in both permanent and locum roles can help you understand the practical aspects that might not be immediately obvious.
Consult with a Recruiter: Speaking with an expert can provide valuable insights. At Verovian Healthcare Recruitment, we help you weigh the pros and cons of both options, guiding you to the best fit. Reach out to one of our recruiters today to get started.
AHP Careers Redefined: Blending Permanent Roles with Locum Opportunities
Can you combine permanent and temporary work arrangements? Absolutely! You can create a dynamic career by blending permanent and locum roles, enjoying the best of both worlds. This approach allows you to diversify your skills, broaden your experience, and enjoy financial flexibility, all while exploring niche specialities.
For instance, if you're a physiotherapist with a permanent NHS role, you could take on weekend locum assignments in sports injury clinics, gaining insight into a fast-paced environment while supplementing your income. Similarly, if you're a radiographer, you could work permanently in a diagnostic imaging department and accept ad-hoc shifts in private practice, expanding your expertise with advanced equipment.
This hybrid model is particularly attractive for AHPs like you who seek variety without sacrificing job security. Specialist AHP recruitment agencies like Verovian can help you find flexible locum opportunities that complement your permanent work. By blending these roles, you can create a fulfilling career that meets your professional goals and personal needs.
Conclusion
Choosing between permanent and locum roles is an important decision in your AHP career. Whether you value stability and career growth or prefer flexibility and variety, both paths offer distinct benefits. You can even blend the two to enjoy the best of both worlds—combining job security with the opportunity to explore different settings and expand your skillset.
Take the time to assess your priorities, do your research, and consult with recruiters to make an informed decision that aligns with your professional and personal goals. Whatever path you choose, the right role will support your career ambitions and work-life balance.
Explore Opportunities with Verovian Healthcare Recruitment Agency
Ready to take the next step in your career? Verovian AHP Agency is here to help. Whether you're a physiotherapist, radiographer, or occupational therapist, we are always looking for AHPs to match with their perfect roles. We work with both the NHS and the private sector, offering a wide range of opportunities for you to choose from in locations that suit you. Get in touch with us and browse our current job openings across the UK to find the ideal position for you.
