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By Gill Harrison, professional officer for ultrasound, SoR
Sonographers are employed across the NHS and independent sector on a range of different employment contracts.
When working outside a traditional NHS contract, it is essential that sonographers consider whether they have appropriate professional indemnity insurance (PII) for their work.
This CPD article highlights key factors to consider when working for an agency, a bank, an independent provider or when becoming self-employed.
It is important to check carefully that you have appropriate PII cover and not presume this is included by an employer.
Six key points
- PII is a requirement for all practising sonographers
All healthcare professionals undertaking ultrasound examinations must have appropriate PII in place to practise, whether they work as employees or are self-employed.
Employers are legally responsible for the actions of their employees when they are carrying out duties they are employed and deemed competent to perform. This is known as vicarious liability.
- Check whether your employer provides adequate indemnity cover
NHS employees with a contract of employment usually have primary PII in place.
If you are employed by an independent provider, agency, in-sourcing company or ‘on the bank’, ask for written confirmation of whether indemnity cover is provided and the level of cover offered.
Employer-provided cover may not fully extend to all aspects of sonographer practice, particularly outside NHS employment. If there is any uncertainty, additional personal PII may be required.
- Ensure that the PII covers all roles
It is important to check that your PII covers every aspect of the work you undertake, particularly if you work independently, as a locum or across both the NHS and independent sector. Expert witness work usually requires additional PII cover.
Tailored PII is needed to reflect the diagnostic responsibilities of sonographer practice. Policies must provide sufficient cover for legal expenses and compensation costs.
- Work within your scope of practice and follow professional codes of conduct
Sonographers must be working within their scope of practice and in accordance with professional codes of conduct, employer policies and governance structures. Failure to do so may invalidate indemnity cover.
If a sonographer is asked to work outside their recognised scope of practice, they should seek advice from their local trade union and industrial relations (TUIR) representative. If there is no local TUIR representation, members can contact the SoR for guidance at [email protected]
- What does the SoR PII cover?
SoR members benefit from secondary PII. They must have been in membership both at the time of the incident and at the time the claim is made.
SoR PII only applies where an employment contract and appropriate employer primary PII are in place, and may not extend to all areas of practice.
It should not be relied upon as the sole source of PII.
There are specific conditions attached to the SoR secondary PII. Failure to meet these may invalidate cover.
Members should review the information on the SoR website and seek advice at the earliest opportunity if they are asked to provide a statement or if a complaint is made. Underwriters must approve statements written by members.
For advice, contact [email protected]
- Employers cannot legally ask you to join the SoR
The SoR is a trade union and a professional body.
While we encourage sonographers to consider joining for the benefits available, employers cannot legally require employees to join a trade union. Under UK employment law, employees have the right to choose whether or not to join a union.
Reflection prompts
- Do you have a contract of employment with your employer?
- Does your contract include primary PII?
- Have you seen a copy of the insurance document?
- Have you checked that you have appropriate PII in place for your scope of practice?
- In what situations might primary PII be needed?
- When might SoR PII be relevant?
- What specific conditions are attached to the SoR PII?
Further reading:
Health and Care Professionals Council. Professional indemnity
Health and Care Professionals Council. 2014. Professional indemnity and your registration
Register of Clinical Technologists. The RCT renewal process
Society of Radiographers. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
Society of Radiographers. Am I covered?
Society of Radiographers. 2025. Scope of practice 2025
Society of Radiographers. 2025. Code of professional conduct 2025