Using the PWC direct engagement portal

What is PWC? 

PWC is a direct engagement portal you may need to use when you take a placement at certain NHS trusts. To make using the portal easy, we’ve put together the following information which we hope you find useful.

Key information

Account set up and logging in

When you accept a placement at a trust that uses PWC, you’ll receive an email from PWC inviting you to sign up to their system. Once you have received this email, you will need to log in and accept your engagement. You will then be required to answer some tax and pension questions and input your bank details.

Please note: you will not be able to submit your hours until this is actioned.

PWC have created a useful guide that will help you to navigate the tasks of logging in, viewing pension information and submitting timesheet. You can read it here

Timesheet deadline

Please ensure you submit your hours by 10am on Monday morning to receive payment on the Friday of that week.  

We recommend uploading your hours once your working week has finished to ensure they are uploaded in plenty of time before the deadline. 

Tip: Your hours will need to be submitted one shift at a timeFor example, if you submit your Tuesday hours you must first click ‘Save and Add Other’ before moving on to submit your Wednesday hours. 

View timesheet submission example.

Timesheet statuses

You will see different statuses as you complete your timesheet: 

Draft = This is where you have added your hours but not submitted them.
Pending = This means you have submitted your hours and they are pending approval by the client.
Approved = Your hours have been approved. 

Your payment tab will then show what has been paid to you and/or what is due for payment. 

Don’t forget your first week appraisal form

Once you have commenced working with the trust, we require you to complete our First shift appraisal form. This needs to be submitted within the first week of your placement.

Pension and tax
  • You will be auto enrolled into the NHS pension scheme.
  • If you choose to remain opted into the NHS pension scheme, your rate will be reduced by 11.2% to bring it in line with that of a substantive member of staff.
  • Please provide your P45 if you have been issued one from your previous employer. You have the option to upload a copy to ensure you are on the correct tax code. This is not mandatory however, we recommend you do this if you have your P45 to hand.
  • If you wish to opt out of the NHS Pension Scheme, please reply to your booking confirmation email and attach a completed Application to leave the NHS Pension Scheme form.
Placement extensions

If your placement is extended beyond the original agreed date on the system, you will be issued with a new engagement to accept on the portal. This will happen each time a placement is extended. Each new engagement must be accepted before timesheets can be processed. 

How to accept your engagement, terms and conditions and check your NHS pension eligibility

PWC have created a quick to read guide to help you understand how to accept your engagement, terms and conditions and check your NHS pension eligibility. Read it here

Ensuring you are on the correct tax code
To ensure you are on the correct tax code, please complete the HMRC starter form and return to us via the relevant email address below. This is the best way to ensure you are on the correct tax code and therefore, paying the correct amount of tax.
• Psychiatry and Psychological Therapies team: PMHCandidateSupport@pulsejobs.com
• Acute doctors team: doctors.support@pulsejobs.com

Further support

If you have further questions about direct engagement, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist teams: