Support for staff returning from sickness absence
A member of staff can be referred to the Occupational Health Adviser (OHA) through one of three sources:
- Self-referral
- Management referral
- HR referral
The Occupational Health Adviser will make an appointment to meet with the member of staff when the referral is received. Any consultation with the Occupational Health service is undertaken with the boundaries of medical confidentiality. At the meeting a history will be taken of the employee’s health, their treatment plan and their progress. Any support that can be provided from the employer will also be discussed. Depending on the circumstances, the OHA has a number of options to help support and facilitate the staff member’s return to work. In addition, the OHA may also ask for the employee’s consent to liaise with their GP or other Health Specialists that they are receiving input from.
Referral options
- Physiotherapy referral: The first physiotherapy session is provided free of charge by START. Subsequent sessions cost from £35.
- Counselling referral: Counselling sessions are paid for by the University.
- Coaching referral: Coaching sessions are provided free of charge by CAPOD.
- Sports and Exercise referral: A time-limited staff gym membership can be provided free of charge by the Department of Sports and Exercise.
- Set up an appointment with the Occupational Health Practitioner.
With the employee’s consent, the referring manager or HR Officer will receive a report recommending support that the employee requires at work either on a temporary or permanent basis depending on their health condition. When a member of staff self-refers to Occupational Health, a report to management may be recommended if support or adjustments are required at work.
Meet the team who will support you below: