What Documents Do I Need to Register with an Agency?
3 August 2026
Registering with a healthcare agency can be an exciting step in your career. Whether you are looking for more flexibility, additional shifts, better work-life balance, or opportunities to gain experience across different settings, agency work can open the door to a wide range of roles.
However, one part of the process that often feels overwhelming for candidates is compliance.
Many Healthcare Assistants, Support Workers, Nurses, and Social Care Professionals are surprised by the number of documents agencies request during registration. It is common to wonder:
Why do agencies need all of this information?
What happens if I do not have something yet?
Will missing paperwork delay my registration?
If you have ever felt confused by agency compliance requirements, you are not alone.
The good news is that once you understand what is needed and why, the process becomes much easier to navigate.
In this guide, we explain the key documents healthcare agencies commonly ask for, why they matter, and how you can prepare to make registration as smooth as possible.
Why Do Healthcare Agencies Ask for So Many Documents?
Healthcare agencies have a responsibility to ensure that every professional they place is compliant, qualified, and safe to work.
Because healthcare professionals support vulnerable individuals, agencies must meet strict standards before placing candidates into care environments.
This process protects:
Patients and service users
Healthcare professionals
Employers and healthcare providers
Regulatory compliance standards
Rather than seeing compliance as paperwork for the sake of paperwork, it helps to think of it as part of maintaining safe, high quality care.
Most agencies follow strict onboarding and credentialing procedures to ensure candidates meet role requirements before beginning work.
Although requirements can vary slightly depending on the role, most agencies will ask for a similar core set of documents.
Proof of Identity
One of the first things agencies will request is proof of identity. This helps verify who you are and supports safer recruitment practices.
Common forms of ID include:
Passport
Driving licence
National identity card (where applicable)
In some cases, agencies may request multiple forms of identification to complete compliance checks.
It is important to ensure documents are valid, clear, and up to date. Expired or unclear documents can sometimes delay onboarding.
Right to Work Documentation
Healthcare agencies must legally confirm that candidates have the right to work in the UK. The documents required will depend on your nationality and immigration status.
Examples may include:
UK or Irish Citizens
Typically, a passport or eligible identity documentation may be sufficient.
Visa Holders
Agencies may request:
Visa documentation
Share code for Right to Work verification
Biometric Residence Permit (where relevant)
International Candidates
Additional documentation may sometimes be required depending on sponsorship arrangements or visa categories.
Right to Work checks are a legal requirement, so completing these early can help avoid delays later in the process.
DBS Checks Explained
A DBS check is one of the most important parts of healthcare agency registration.
DBS stands for the Disclosure and Barring Service, and the purpose is to help ensure individuals working with vulnerable adults or children are suitable for healthcare roles.
Most healthcare and social care positions require an Enhanced DBS.
This is particularly common for:
Healthcare Assistants
Support Workers
Nurses
Complex Care Workers
Mental Health Professionals
Social Care Workers
Some candidates already have a recent DBS certificate.
Others may need to complete a new check through the agency.
In many cases, agencies will also ask whether you are registered with the DBS Update Service, which can help streamline the process.
If you do not currently have a DBS, do not panic. Many agencies can help guide you through the process.
Proof of Address
Most agencies will request proof of address as part of identity verification.
Commonly accepted documents include:
Utility bills
Council tax statements
Bank statements
Official government letters
Usually, documents need to be recent, often dated within the last three months.
Before uploading documents, double check that your name, address, and dates are clearly visible.
Missing information or outdated documents are common reasons for compliance delays.
Training Certificates
Healthcare agencies often ask for evidence of mandatory training.
The exact requirements may vary depending on the role and setting, but common examples include:
Safeguarding Adults
Safeguarding Children
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Moving and Handling
Medication Administration
Infection Prevention and Control
Health and Safety
Fire Safety
Equality and Diversity
Food Hygiene
Mental Capacity Act and DoLS
For complex care or homecare settings, additional training may sometimes be required, such as:
PEG feeding
Tracheostomy care
Suctioning
Challenging behaviour training
Autism awareness
Mental health training
If certificates have expired, agencies may ask you to renew them before work can begin.
Some agencies may also offer training support or guidance where needed.
Professional Registrations
If you are applying for clinical roles, professional registration documents may be required.
For example:
Nurses
You will usually need:
Active NMC registration
PIN number confirmation
Revalidation records (where relevant)
Allied Health Professionals
Relevant professional registrations may also be required depending on the role.
Support Workers and Healthcare Assistants typically do not require professional registration in the same way, but employers may still ask for role-specific qualifications.
Employment History and References
Most agencies will ask for a recent employment history.
This helps confirm experience, identify skillsets, and support safer recruitment processes.
You may be asked for:
An up-to-date CV
Previous employer information
Employment dates
Explanation of career gaps where applicable
Professional references are also commonly required.
Healthcare agencies often request references covering recent work history, particularly for healthcare or care-related roles.
The stronger and more recent your references, the smoother the onboarding process is likely to be.
Occupational Health and Immunisation Records
Depending on the role, agencies may request occupational health information. This is particularly common for clinical or hospital-based positions.
Examples may include:
Immunisation records
Hepatitis B status
Tuberculosis screening
Occupational health clearance
Not every role requires the same level of health documentation, so requirements can vary.
What If I Am Missing Documents?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need everything ready before speaking with an agency.
In reality, many candidates begin the process while still gathering paperwork.
If documents are missing, expired, or unavailable, agencies can often advise on the next steps.
For example:
Expired training may need renewing
References may still need to be requested
A DBS may need updating
Right to Work checks may need completing
Being proactive and communicating early can often prevent unnecessary delays.
If you are unsure what to provide for registration with Greenstaff Medical, contact our team to discuss the documents you already have and what may still be needed.
Common Reasons Registration Gets Delayed
In many cases, delays happen because of avoidable issues.
Some of the most common reasons include:
Expired Training Certificates
Outdated mandatory training can pause onboarding.
Missing Reference Information
Incorrect contact details can delay employment checks.
Expired Identification
Passports or licences may need updating.
Unclear Document Uploads
Blurry photos or incomplete scans can slow down verification.
Delayed Responses
Compliance processes move faster when candidates respond promptly to requests.
Preparing documents early can significantly speed up registration.
How to Speed Up Your Agency Registration
If you want to get registered quickly, preparation makes a huge difference.
Before applying, try to gather:
Photo ID
Proof of address
Right to Work documents
Updated CV
Training certificates
Professional registrations
Reference contact details
DBS information
Having everything ready beforehand can help reduce delays and get you ready for shifts sooner.
Your Agency Registration Checklist
Although requirements vary slightly between agencies and roles, most healthcare professionals will commonly need:
Proof of identity
Right to Work documentation
DBS check
Proof of address
Training certificates
Updated CV
Employment history
References
Occupational health records where relevant
Professional registration for regulated roles
When reviewing Greenstaff Medical’s live healthcare vacancies, check the requirements for roles that interest you and confirm any additional documents needed before starting.
Getting Ready for Your Next Opportunity
Registering with an agency may feel paperwork-heavy at first, but the process exists to protect both healthcare professionals and the people receiving care.
Once compliance is complete, agency work can offer flexibility, varied experience, and access to rewarding opportunities across different healthcare settings.
At Greenstaff Medical, we understand that registration can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly if you are navigating compliance for the first time.
Our team works closely with healthcare professionals throughout the onboarding process to help make registration as smooth and straightforward as possible, so you can focus on what matters most, providing high quality care.
Ready to begin? Register your interest with Greenstaff Medical to share your details and start discussing your next healthcare opportunity.
