Locum educational psychologists: Partners in local authority educational psychology services

As a Locum Educational Psychologist (EP), I have often found myself working within overstretched Local Authority (LA) Educational Psychology Services (EPSs), where teams strive to meet growing demands. My role frequently involves undertaking statutory assessments, which alleviates pressure on permanent EPS staff and ensures timely support for children and young people. Despite these significant contributions, I have sometimes questioned whether Locum roles are perceived as less integral or valued when compared to LA positions. Could misconceptions about Locum work contribute to this perception? If so, what implications does this have for the tenets of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) that the profession espouses? In this article, I briefly explore the marginalization of Locum EPs, challenge misconceptions about their work, and advocate for a more collaborative approach to service delivery.