How to Build a Speciality Portfolio as a Locum Doctor in 2026

 

Working as a locum doctor offers flexibility, variety and competitive earning potential. However, with increased competition for high-quality assignments, having a clear and well-structured speciality portfolio has become more important than ever. In 2026, healthcare providers are placing greater emphasis on evidence of skills, continuous professional development (CPD) and clinical outcomes, even for short-term roles.

A strong speciality portfolio not only helps you stand out when applying for locum roles but also supports long-term career progression, whether your goal is consultancy, permanent roles or specialist accreditation. Here’s how to build and maintain a speciality portfolio that reflects your expertise and keeps you in demand.

 

Understand the Purpose of Your Speciality Portfolio

 

Your speciality portfolio is more than a CV. It is a structured record of your clinical experience, professional development and achievements within your chosen speciality. For locum doctors, it demonstrates consistency and commitment, despite working across multiple sites.

In 2026, hospitals and healthcare organisations increasingly expect locums to arrive “role-ready”. A well-maintained portfolio shows:

• Depth of experience in your speciality
• Evidence of ongoing learning
• Quality improvement involvement
• Adaptability across clinical settings

Think of your portfolio as a professional narrative that supports every application and interview.

 

Define Your Speciality Focus Clearly

 

Locum work can sometimes feel broad by nature, but clarity is key when building a portfolio. Decide where you want to specialise and align your experience accordingly. This might be:

• Emergency Medicine
• Psychiatry
• General Practice with a subspecialty interest
• Anaesthetics
• Paediatrics or Geriatrics

Once defined, prioritise assignments that support this direction. Even if you continue to work across different departments, ensure your portfolio highlights depth rather than just breadth.

 

Record Clinical Experience Strategically

 

Rather than listing every role, focus on meaningful experience. For each assignment, document:

• Clinical responsibilities and case mix
• Complexity of cases handled
• Leadership or supervisory duties
• Exposure to specialist procedures or equipment

Reflective summaries are increasingly valued in 2026. Brief reflections on learning outcomes or challenges faced demonstrate insight and professionalism, which employers appreciate.

 

Prioritise CPD and Accredited Learning

 

Continuing professional development is central to a strong speciality portfolio. In 2026, digital learning and blended CPD models are widely accepted, making it easier for locum doctors to stay up to date.

Include evidence of:

• Accredited CPD courses relevant to your speciality
• Online learning modules and workshops
• Conferences and clinical symposiums
• Simulation training or scenario-based learning

Where possible, link CPD activities directly to improved clinical practice. This shows not just participation, but application.

 

Get Involved in Audits and Quality Improvement

 

A common misconception is that locum doctors cannot participate in audits or quality improvement projects. In reality, many short-term audits or service evaluations are ideal for locums.

Examples include:

• Clinical audits completed during placements
• Contribution to departmental improvement initiatives
• Participation in patient safety or governance meetings

Even small-scale involvement demonstrates engagement with clinical standards and continuous improvement, a key focus for healthcare providers in 2026.

 

Collect Feedback and Evidence of Performance

 

Feedback is powerful portfolio evidence. Actively seek:

• Consultant or clinical lead references
• Multisource feedback where available
• Written performance reviews

Keep anonymised patient feedback if appropriate and permitted. Strong testimonials help validate your skills across different settings and strengthen your credibility as a locum specialist.

 

Keep Your Portfolio Digital and Up to Date

 

In 2026, digital portfolios are the norm. Use secure cloud-based tools to store certificates, reflections and evidence so they are accessible whenever needed.

Review and update your portfolio regularly:

• Remove outdated or irrelevant material
• Highlight recent achievements
• Align content with current career goals

An organised portfolio saves time when applying for roles and reassures agencies and employers of your professionalism.

 

Use Your Portfolio to Shape Your Locum Career

 

Your speciality portfolio should guide your next steps. Share it with your recruitment consultant to access better-matched roles, higher-responsibility placements and long-term opportunities.

A strong portfolio also positions you for:

• Higher-paying specialist locum roles
• Permanent or hybrid positions
• Training or leadership pathways

 

Final Thoughts

 

Building a speciality portfolio as a locum doctor in 2026 is about intentional career development. By focusing on your chosen speciality, documenting experience thoughtfully and committing to ongoing learning, you can turn locum work into a strategic and rewarding career path.

With the right portfolio in place, you’re not just filling shifts, you’re building a future.

 

For more information on any of our roles contact a member of our Locum Express team on +353 (0)21 4297901 or email us at info@locumexpress.ie. You can also register online here.