Every healthcare organisation faces the same challenge: when should you recruit permanent staff, and when is a locum the right choice? Striking the right balance is vital for patient safety, staff wellbeing, and service efficiency. Here’s why working with a specialist healthcare recruitment agency can make that decision easier.
When permanent recruitment works best
Permanent staff provide stability, continuity and leadership. Roles that require long-term service planning, strong patient relationships, and departmental leadership are best suited to permanent hires.
When locums are essential
Locum AHPs are ideal for covering unexpected absences, launching new services and managing seasonal demand. They provide immediate relief without long-term financial commitments.
Why recruitment agencies matter
Agencies provide fast access to fully compliant clinicians, saving managers time and reducing risk. With expertise in sourcing, vetting, and deploying the right talent, agencies act as trusted partners rather than just vendors.
Strategic workforce planning
The smartest organisations now use recruitment agencies as part of their workforce strategy – balancing permanent hires with locum staff to stay flexible, compliant, and resilient.
Hunter Gatherer AHP works with NHS trusts, GP practices and private providers to strike the right staffing balance. Whether you need permanent recruitment or flexible locum cover, we’ve got you covered.