The NHS Executive has issued a code of practice on appointing and employing locums (EL(97)48). By December employers should have arrangements in place which, in the event of unsatisfactory work by a locum doctor, enable them to consider whether to employ the doctor again; whether the agency should be informed; and whether, in the case of junior doctors, a report should be sent to the postgraduate dean; and whether a report should be sent to the General Medical Council. Trusts should introduce a structured assessment form to provide references for locum doctors and should agree working arrangements with locum agencies to ensure that locums meet the minimum standards agreed with health authorities.