Management Referrals
An occupational health management referral helps employers effectively manage and support staff where health may be affecting work.
We liaise directly with your employee to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced Occupational Health Practitioners, typically within 5 working days. You’ll receive a clear, detailed report with meaningful recommendations, tailored to the individual case.
Need to refer an employee or discuss the process?
Speak to the teamHow are we different?
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Bespoke & thorough
In-depth assessments with longer appointment times to fully understand the context and complexity of each case — you’ll receive a detailed, case-specific report, never a template response.
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Practical, actionable advice
Clear, balanced recommendations tailored to your organisation, focused on meaningful adjustments and next steps managers can confidently implement.
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Responsive & reliable
Appointments typically available within 5 working days, with referrals submitted easily through our secure online system and updates throughout from our hands-on team.
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Supportive & professional
Our practitioners understand both the clinical and workplace context of each referral, giving balanced advice that supports the employee while giving employers clarity.
When should I refer?
- Frequent short-term absences that require review
- Long-term sickness absence, and support planning a return to work
- When health concerns are affecting work performance
- Where there may be work-related ill health
- Behavioural or performance concerns where health may be a factor
- Advice on reasonable workplace adjustments
- Assessing potential ill-health retirement
What can I expect from the assessment?
- A thorough occupational health assessment of fitness for work
- Insight into whether there’s an underlying explanation for absence or behaviour
- Identification of any work-related factors affecting health
- Practical recommendations for workplace adjustments or equipment
- Advice on phased returns, rehabilitation and ongoing support
- Guidance on Equality Act considerations where appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the assessments in person or remote?
The majority of our assessments are done remotely via telephone or video call. It is not the role of occupational health to physically examine a person, so there is little added value to being face-to-face in that respect. However, requirements vary and, where preferred, we can arrange in-person assessments with an OH Physician in London.
What is the difference between an “OHA” and an “OHP” assessment?
Most referrals are assessed by our Occupational Health Nurse Advisors (OHA). For more complex cases — such as capability concerns or dismissal — or cases needing a more medically robust opinion, an Occupational Health Physician (OHP) assessment may be better suited. If you’re ever unsure which practitioner is best for your case, just ask and we’ll be happy to advise.
How quickly will we receive the occupational health report?
OH Nurse reports are typically ready 1–3 working days after the assessment, and OH Physician reports within 5 working days (both subject to prior viewing by the employee).
What information do we need to provide to make a referral?
Once you enquire, we share our referral form, which can be completed on paper or via an online link with instant submission. It prompts you for relevant background, role-specific details, your reasons for referring and the questions you’d like our practitioner to answer. Supplementary information such as absence records can help, and everything is shared with the employee’s consent only.
What happens if an employee does not consent to a referral?
The whole process requires employee consent, from start to finish, and works best when kept transparent between employer and employee. If an employee does not consent, we are unable to arrange an assessment.
Do you need to write to the GP or specialist?
In certain situations where you need confirmation of a diagnosis, treatment or a GP/specialist opinion, a report from the employee’s treating professional can help. Ideally the employee obtains this directly (for example via their NHS app), as it’s the simplest and cheapest route. If not, we can write to the GP/specialist on your behalf with the employee’s consent, though the detail provided can vary and a fee may apply.
Need help making a referral?
If you’d like to discuss your requirements or need guidance on whether a referral is appropriate, our team are happy to assist.