Frimley Primary Care Staff Bank

Do I have to live in Frimley to participate?

No, you can live anywhere. You just need to be interested in working in Frimley ICS Primary Care Staff Bank practices.

How do I join? 

To join Frimley ICS Primary Care Staff Bank, register on LocumDeck at NASGP.org.uk and follow the instructions.

To apply, you will need:

• Evidence of statutory and mandatory training.
• Photo ID.
• Immunisation record.
• A CV.
• An enhanced DBS certificate issued within the last three years (or evidence of membership on the annual update service).

If you’re missing anything from the list above, email Becky Nelson (becky.nelson@nasgp.org.uk).

It’s easiest to apply using a desktop or laptop rather than a mobile.

What hours will I have to work?

In the Staff Bank, you decide when to work and where you want to work – there are no set hours. You can offer whatever hours you can work, whenever you’re available.

What type of clinics will I have to work?

You decide what type of clinics you want to offer. If you have a certain skill set you enjoy and you can show evidence of appropriate training, the Staff Bank gives you the chance to design your clinics so you can practise your skills even further.

We can advise you on what practices are looking for so you can mix your clinics to balance general and specific skills to maximise your work opportunities. But you decide – if you just want to offer Women’s health clinics, it’s up to you.

What choice do I have about the type of contract?

You have two choices about how you would like to work: you can be self-employed or join as a bank worker.

How do I start working as a bank worker?

If you join as a bank worker, you will be offered a zero-hours contract with Frimley ICS Primary Care Staff Bank, which is run by a local GP federation. You will be paid via their payroll and get an annual leave accrual allowance plus your NHS pension.

How much will I get paid as a bank worker?

The pay rates are based on the pay bands for Agenda for Change. Your pay band will be based on the level of skill and experience in primary care that you will be offering. This will be decided in discussion with you as part of your application.

Where can I find out about tax on a second job?

If you have more than one job it is important to make sure that your Personal Allowance is being applied properly and you are paying the right tax across your jobs. Read more about tax codes, national insurance and how to inform HMRC.

How can the Staff Bank help me get training?

Frimley ICS Primary Care Staff Bank is supported by Frimley Training Hub. The hub can help whether you need to join a Return to Practice programme, or simply undertake targeted training in certain skills. Contact the hub for advice on your individual circumstances: visit frimleytraininghub.co.uk for information on accessing training or contact Frimley.Traininghub@nhs.net for advice.

How will joining the staff bank impact my NHS pension?

For information on how self-employed or bank work affects your pension, please see the Royal College of Nurses (RCN)’s pensions guide..

How do I start working as a self-employed nurse? 

To commence work on a self-employed basis you would need to register with HMRC. Read more.

You can start working as a self-employed nurse by signing up to Frimley ICS Primary Care Staff Bank and booking shifts directly with practices.

Where can I find my statutory and mandatory training certificates?

If you completed training on Bluestream Academy, individual certificates from past completions can be purchased directly from us for £1 + VAT per certificate should the individual not wish to proceed with a new account.

Locum nurses can register for an individual Blue Stream Academy account for just £49 + VAT per year (we need a valid NMC number to proceed with this). Once the new account has been set-up, we can transfer across any training records from the nurses previous practice account.

Visit e-Learning for Health which is completely free and both quick and easy to use.

For support with evidence of training, please contact becky.nelson@nasgp.org.uk.

Where can I find out about paying tax as a self-employed nurse? 

Register for Self-Assessment Tax at HMRC. You may wish to read the RCN’s guide to starting out as a self-employed nurse.

What indemnity protection do I need if I join the staff bank? 

Get in touch with the RCN to find out about your individual circumstances.

How can I return to nursing after a break?

If your registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) has lapsed, you will need to get back on the NMC register. Read more information from the NMC on how to return to the register after a break or lapse in registration.

Can I join the Staff Bank without prior GP nursing experience?

Yes, although you have to be a registered nurse to join. Many nurses with no general practice experience have skills which can transfer to primary care. To find out how your current skills fit, apply to join and complete the skills profile. Your host can then help you go through your skills profile and advise you on your individual circumstances.

What details and evidence will I need to add for my application?

To get started you will need to upload

• Evidence of statutory and mandatory training.
• Proof of identity – photo ID.
• Immunisation record.
• An enhanced DBS certificate issued within the last three years (or evidence of membership on the annual update service).
• A CV.
• A care certificate (or equivalent qualification e.g NVQ Level 3).
• Evidence of your Healthcare Support Worker training.
• Confirmation that you adhere to the code of conduct for healthcare support workers Code of Conduct (skillsforcare.org.uk).

You will also need to complete a skills matrix – it’s a simple series of tick boxes which lets you set out which skills you’d like to offer.

How long will it take me to apply?

If you have all the above information ready to upload, it should only take you 30 mins to get everything uploaded and your skills matrix completed.

What if I don’t have all the details listed above?

If you have any missing items, visit frimleytraininghub.co.uk for information on accessing training. Or contact Frimley.Traininghub@nhs.net for advice.

What type of evidence of my healthcare support worker training is needed?

Your training evidence may be any of the following:

• Certificates for different skills.
• Training log that has been signed off by a Registered Nurse colleague.

Can I still apply if I don’t have access to evidence of my healthcare assistant training?

Yes! Please apply and contact Frimley.Traininghub@nhs.net for further advice. We may be able to help you get the evidence you need. For instance, Frimley Training Hub has a healthcare assistant training programme with access to a Training Portfolio.

What is the Frimley Training Hub Healthcare Support Worker Training Portfolio?

The Training Portfolio is offered by Frimley Training Hub as part of a development programme to help you achieve and showcase your skills as a healthcare support worker.

How can the Training Portfolio help my application?

The Training Portfolio is a great way for you to show verified proof of your skills and competencies to the host employer and any practices you may want to work in. Having the Training Portfolio makes it much quicker for you to apply for the Staff Bank.

What are the other benefits of the Training Portfolio?

The Training Portfolio sets out a possible path for you to develop your skills. Plus it increases your flexible work opportunities by showing practices that you have verified skills.