Everything you need to know about working with CAMHS professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of CAMHS roles do you recruit for?
We recruit across the full spectrum of child and adolescent mental health services, including CAMHS practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and support workers. We cover both NHS and independent sector positions across community, inpatient, and specialist settings.
Do I need to have CAMHS-specific experience to register with you?
CAMHS experience is preferred for most roles, but not always required. We also work with candidates from adult mental health, paediatrics, and related disciplines who are looking to move into CAMHS. Our compliance team will discuss your background during registration and match you to suitable opportunities.
How do I register as a candidate?
You can register by submitting your CV through our website or contacting our team directly. One of our specialist consultants will be in touch to discuss your experience, preferences, and availability. We’ll guide you through the compliance process and start matching you to roles straight away.
Can you sponsor my visa to work in the UK?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide visa sponsorship. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK before we are able to register and place them. This includes holding a valid visa with no restrictions on employment, settled or pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or British or Irish citizenship. If you are unsure about your eligibility, we recommend checking the UK government’s guidance on the right to work before getting in touch.
What documents do I need to provide before I can start work?
We follow NHS and regulatory standards for compliance. You’ll need to provide proof of identity, right to work in the UK, professional registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC, GMC), an up-to-date DBS check, occupational health clearance, and employment references covering the past three years. We make the process as straightforward as possible and can advise on any gaps.
How quickly can I get compliant and start working?
For most candidates, compliance can be completed within one to two weeks, depending on how quickly documents are submitted. If you already hold a valid DBS and professional registration, the process can be faster. We have a dedicated compliance team on hand to help you move through each step promptly.
How and when will I be paid?
We offer weekly pay, processed every Friday for the previous week’s timesheets.
What are the typical pay rates for CAMHS locum roles?
Pay rates vary depending on your profession, grade, specialism, and the urgency of the booking. We are transparent about rates upfront and always aim to secure the best possible rate for your skills and experience. Contact us for a current guide rate for your role type.
Do you offer both temporary and permanent positions?
Yes. We cover short-term locum and interim placements, longer-term contracts, and permanent positions. Whether you’re looking for flexibility or a long-term role, we’ll work with you to find the right fit for your circumstances.
Do you have roles across the whole of the UK?
We have clients across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We can place candidates nationally and are experienced in supporting relocations or remote and hybrid working arrangements where relevant to the role.
Can I choose which geographical areas I work in?
Absolutely. When you register, you tell us your preferred locations and how far you are willing to travel. We work within those boundaries and will always check with you before submitting you for a role outside your stated preferences.
Will I have a dedicated consultant looking after me?
Yes. You’ll be assigned a specialist CAMHS consultant who will be your main point of contact throughout. They will manage your placements, support you with queries, and advocate on your behalf with clients. You won’t be passed around between different people.
What happens if there is a problem during a placement?
Contact your consultant immediately. We take any issues seriously and will work quickly to resolve concerns, whether they relate to the working environment, pay, or any other matter. We maintain close relationships with our clients to ensure problems are addressed promptly.
What types of CAMHS staff can you provide?
We can supply a wide range of qualified professionals including CAMHS nurses, clinical psychologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, occupational therapists, art and play therapists, social workers, CAMHS support workers, and team managers. If you have a requirement not listed here, please contact us and we will advise.
How quickly can you fill an urgent vacancy?
For urgent requirements, we can often present suitable candidates within 24 to 48 hours. Our extensive network of pre-compliant CAMHS professionals means we can respond rapidly to short-notice requests. For planned longer-term cover or permanent roles, lead times depend on the specialism and seniority required.
Can you support both short-term cover and long-term staffing needs?
Yes. We work with NHS trusts, CAMHS providers, local authorities, and independent sector organisations on everything from single-day urgent cover to extended interim contracts and permanent recruitment. We tailor our approach to your specific requirements.
How do you ensure the candidates you send are fully compliant?
All candidates are vetted to NHS Employer standards before placement. This includes enhanced DBS checks, professional registration verification, occupational health clearance, identity and right to work checks, and professional references. We hold compliance records centrally and can provide documentation on request.
Are your candidates registered with the relevant professional bodies?
Yes. We only place candidates with the appropriate current professional registration for their role — NMC, HCPC, GMC, or equivalent — and we verify registration status before every placement. We monitor registration renewals and will alert you immediately if any issue arises.
How do you assess clinical suitability for CAMHS-specific roles?
Our consultants have specialist knowledge of CAMHS and conduct thorough competency discussions with all candidates before placement. We assess relevant experience, theoretical grounding, safeguarding knowledge, and suitability for the specific client setting. We will never put a candidate forward without being confident they are an appropriate fit.
What safeguarding checks do you carry out?
All candidates undergo an enhanced DBS check with barred list information. We also verify that safeguarding training is current and appropriate to the candidate’s role level. We recommend that clients also provide a local induction covering their own safeguarding policies and reporting procedures.
How are your rates structured?
Our rates are competitive and transparent. For temporary and locum placements, we charge a weekly rate that includes the candidate’s pay, employer’s national insurance, and our agency margin. For permanent placements, a one-off introduction fee applies, calculated as a percentage of the starting salary. We’re happy to discuss volume arrangements for organisations with recurring needs.
Do you operate on NHS frameworks?
Yes. We are approved on key NHS procurement frameworks, making it straightforward for NHS trusts and associated bodies to engage our services compliantly. Please contact us to confirm current framework coverage or to discuss direct engagement options.
What is your process if a placed candidate is not suitable?
Candidate satisfaction is important to us and rare issues are taken seriously. If a placed candidate is not meeting expectations, contact your dedicated account manager immediately. We will work with you to understand the issue and, if needed, source a replacement as a priority. Specific terms relating to rebates and replacements are outlined in our service agreement.
Will we have a dedicated point of contact?
Every client is assigned a dedicated account manager who understands your service, your staffing model, and your quality expectations. They will be your first point of contact for new requests, feedback, and any queries, ensuring continuity and consistency in the service you receive.
Can you support workforce planning and forecasting, not just urgent cover?
Yes. We work with a number of clients on a strategic basis, helping to plan ahead for anticipated gaps, service expansions, or seasonal demand. If you’d like to discuss a more proactive staffing partnership, please speak to your account manager or contact us to arrange a conversation.