Compliance Documents Needed for Health & Social Care Professionals

Working in health and social care is an incredibly rewarding profession, but it also comes with a high level of responsibility. Ensuring that every professional meets strict compliance standards is essential to protect service users, maintain safety, and uphold the integrity of the sector.=

At Sanctuary Personnel, we take compliance seriously. Whether you’re applying for locum or permanent roles, having the correct documentation ready will not only speed up your registration but also help you get placed in your next role faster.

Below, we outline the key compliance documents you’ll need to work in the UK health and social care sector.

1. Proof of Identity and Right to Work

Before anything else, you’ll need to provide clear proof of your identity and legal right to work in the UK.

Accepted documents include:

• Valid passport or UK driving licence

• Birth certificate (if applicable)

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or visa documentation

• Proof of address (e.g. recent utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months)

If you’re an international candidate, you’ll also need to supply relevant visa or sponsorship details.

2. Professional Qualification Certificates

Your qualification certificates confirm your eligibility to practise in your chosen profession.

Examples include:

• Degree or diploma certificates (e.g. BSc Occupational Therapy, DipSW, RMN, MPharm, etc.)

• HCPC, NMC, GPhC, SWE, or other professional body registration certificates

• Any additional postgraduate qualifications or training (e.g. CBT, AMHP, PGCert)

It’s always best to keep scanned copies safely stored and ready to share.

3. Professional Registration

All practising professionals in health and social care must hold a valid registration with the relevant governing body.

These may include:

• NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) – for nurses and midwives

• HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) – for allied health professionals, psychologists, and more

• SWE (Social Work England) – for social workers

• GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) – for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians

• GDC (General Dental Council) – for dental professionals

You’ll need to provide your registration number and ensure your registration is active at all times.

4. Employment References

Employment references are required to verify your professional conduct and recent work history.

You’ll need to provide details of your previous managers or supervisors who can confirm your role, performance, and suitability for work in health or social care.

The number of references and time period required may vary depending on the role, setting, and client, but your consultant will guide you through exactly what’s needed for your placement.

5. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check

A valid Enhanced DBS certificate is mandatory for anyone working with vulnerable adults or children.

If you’re registered on the DBS Update Service, we can verify your existing certificate online — otherwise, you may need to complete a new check through Sanctuary.

For candidates in Scotland or Northern Ireland, equivalent checks (PVG / Access NI) apply.

6. Occupational Health & Immunisation Records

Occupational health and immunisation requirements depend on your role and working environment.

For example, clinical professionals working in hospitals, GP surgeries, or community healthcare may need to provide detailed evidence of immunisations and health screening, while office-based or non-clinical roles may have lighter requirements.

Typical documentation includes:

• An Occupational Health clearance certificate confirming fitness to work

• Immunisation evidence, such as Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and TB screening

• Covid-19 vaccination proof, if required by the client or workplace policy

If you’re unsure what’s needed for your role, your Sanctuary consultant or our Compliance Team will confirm the specific requirements.

7. Mandatory Training Certificates

Mandatory training is essential to ensure safe, effective, and compliant practice — but the specific courses required can vary depending on the client, framework, and work setting.

Most training is aligned to the Skills for Health Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF), but certain employers may request additional or updated modules.

Common training topics include:

• Safeguarding Adults & Children

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Immediate Life Support (ILS)

• Infection Prevention & Control

• Health & Safety / Fire Safety

• Information Governance

• Equality & Diversity

• Manual Handling

Your consultant will advise on the exact requirements for your placement, including any refresher or client-specific courses that need to be completed before you start work.

8. CV and Employment History

A clear, up-to-date CV showing your full employment history (with no unexplained gaps) is required for all roles.

Any career breaks should be explained in a brief statement — for example, travel, study, or personal circumstances.

9. Proof of Address and Bank Details

Once compliant, you’ll need to provide proof of your current address and bank details so that payments can be processed correctly for locum roles.

10. Additional Role-Specific Documents

Some specialist roles may require additional documentation, such as:

• Professional indemnity insurance

• AMHP warrant

• Driving licence and car insurance (for community roles)

• Training in specific clinical skills (e.g. Phlebotomy, PMVA, MAPA)

Your Sanctuary consultant will guide you on any extra requirements depending on the role and setting.

Why Compliance Matters

Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting the people you care for, maintaining trust, and ensuring safe, effective practice.

Our dedicated Compliance Team is here to make the process as seamless as possible. We’ll help you gather what’s needed, verify each document, and ensure your file meets NHS and local authority standards.

Ready to get started?

If you’re new to Sanctuary, you can start your registration today.