How to Find a Locum Surveyor (Without the Stress)

If you’re a sole practitioner or run a small surveying firm, having a plan for business continuity is essential. And that includes knowing how to find a locum surveyor you trust.

When you work for yourself, the reality is that there’s rarely backup. Whether you’re facing an unexpected illness, a family emergency, or need a proper break, a locum can help you keep your surveying business running without compromising on client care or professional standards.

Yet many surveyors don’t think about locum cover until it’s too late. If the idea of finding one feels overwhelming, don’t worry - a little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

Why Every Surveyor Needs a Locum Plan

It’s easy to put off planning for the unexpected. But business continuity is more than a tick-box - it’s a sign of a resilient, well-run practice. And with the expectations set out in the RICS Rules of Conduct, having a locum agreement or continuity plan in place shows that you’re serious about client protection and professional accountability.

Finding a Locum Surveyor: Where to Begin

The best locums often come through trusted networks. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to other surveyors you know - perhaps through your local RICS Matrics group, a regional WhatsApp chat, LinkedIn, or even CPD workshops. Personal recommendations carry weight, especially in a profession built on trust and credibility.

When approaching someone, be clear about what kind of support you need. Are you looking for full technical cover, just someone to field client queries, or a mix of both? Some tasks might require a qualified surveyor with Professional Indemnity Insurance, while others could be handled by a trusted assistant or virtual admin.

Prepare for Success with a Locum Induction Pack

Even if you're a solo surveyor, it’s worth creating a simple locum induction guide. This could include:

• A summary of your current clients and workload

• Your report templates and access instructions

• Client communication preferences

• Key contacts and systems logins

This preparation helps ensure a smooth transition and reassures clients that they’re in safe hands, even in your absence.

Don’t Forget the Locum Agreement

A clear, written agreement is essential when handing over any part of your business. Your locum agreement should cover:

• Scope of work

• Insurance requirements

• Confidentiality

• Payment terms

• Use of your branding or templates

This protects both parties and helps maintain professional standards, particularly important if the locum is delivering regulated surveying services under your business name.

Can a Locum Be Someone Other Than a Surveyor?

Yes - in some cases. For technical work like RICS Home Surveys or valuation reports, your locum will need the appropriate qualifications and PII cover. However, for administrative tasks, appointment scheduling, or client triage, a virtual assistant or office support person can step in. It’s all about defining what needs to be covered and who is best placed to help.

Building Long-Term Business Resilience

Locum support isn’t just about emergencies - it’s about building a business that doesn’t fall apart when life throws you a curveball. It gives you the confidence to take time off when you need it, knowing that your clients (and reputation) are still being looked after.

A strong locum relationship also opens the door to collaboration. Many surveyors I work with go on to support one another, offering mutual coverage and even teaming up on larger projects. It’s not just about cover - it’s about community.

Need Help Creating Your Locum Plan?

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. I work with surveyors to build sustainable businesses with practical coaching, resources, and support to help you plan for the unexpected and protect what you’ve built.

Let’s make sure your business can bend, not break. Book a strategy session with me here, or learn more about my upcoming events here.