FAQs

We are a provider of services specialising predominantly in the relationship between health and work. We are essentially an advisory service and our main objective is to facilitate an environment in which you can successfully return to/stay in work and rehabilitate to full function.

In most instances, we would have received your referral via your employer or insurance company. We do not take the place of your own GP or of any other healthcare professionals you are currently under the care of. We are independent specialists assessing and advising on how you and your referring party can facilitate an environment in which you can successfully return to/stay in work and rehabilitate to full function.

Our multidisciplinary team is made up of a wide range of expertise, including occupational health physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and mental health clinicians. The type of assessment you’ve been referred for will determine which clinician you meet.

Each member of our team is trained in the assessments they carry out, as well as in understanding medical conditions, how they affect daily life and work, the impact of treatment, job demands (mental, physical and safety critical), and the relevant disability, employment and health and safety laws. By combining this expertise with the outcome of your assessment, we’re able to offer you clear, independent advice on fitness for work, staying well at work, and where applicable recommend adjustments for your employer to consider.

A management referral (occupational health assessment) is when your employer asks Innovate Healthcare to assess your current health in relation to your job role. The aim is to understand how your health and the mental, physical or safety aspects of your role interact, so we can offer advice to both you and your employer about what you can safely do at work and what support may help you.

With your consent, we’ll complete the assessment and then prepare a report summarising the key points we discussed. This report is shared with your employer to help them understand how best to support you. It may include impartial advice on things like staying in work or returning to work, your current fitness for work, and how any health conditions you’ve told us about may be affected by your role. We’ll always talk through the content with you and make sure you’re happy for it to be released before anything is sent.

Confidentiality and consent are central to the relationship between Innovate and the individuals that we assess. Please take a look at our privacy policy to find out more about how we look after your information: Privacy Policy

In very rare circumstances in the UK, clinical practitioners have public duties to break confidentiality at times. The type of circumstances where this might be applied is when you or others might be at risk of harm, a child protection issue, life-threatening emergencies, serious crimes, court orders, or serious criminal investigations.

Consent means giving us permission to share your relevant health information with your employer, and it’s an essential part of how we work. Our clinicians are regulated by bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and we follow strict data protection laws. We will only ever share medical information with a third party if you agree to it. That’s why, before any assessment, we’ll explain what the process involves and ask you to confirm your consent. We’ll also talk you through how your report will be shared.

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time. However, it’s important to know that if you choose not to give consent, your employer may need to make decisions without the benefit of independent clinical advice.

If you have any mobility, access or other support needs, please let us know so we can make sure your assessment is arranged in the most suitable way for you. As most of our services are delivered virtually, we can often adapt the format to make things easier. If your assessment needs to take place in person, we’ll work with you to find the most accessible option, and in some cases may be able to complete the assessment in your home to reduce the need for travel.

For your assessment, please have any relevant medical information available—such as a list of your medications, any hospital or scan letters, and anything else you feel is important for us to know. If it’s easier, you can also send this information to us ahead of your appointment so we can review it in advance.

You’re welcome to have a family member, friend or support person with you during your assessment, as long as you’re comfortable discussing your personal medical and work related information in their presence. Because of the sensitive and confidential nature of these conversations, we ask that children do not attend.
It’s also important to make sure that anyone present does not create a conflict of interest—for example, they should not be acting on behalf of your employer or in any role that could influence the assessment. Your clinician will check this with you at the start of the appointment to ensure your confidentiality and the integrity of the assessment are fully protected.

You can join your virtual consultation from any private, quiet location where you feel comfortable discussing your personal health and work information. To protect your confidentiality, please avoid taking part in public spaces or anywhere you may be overheard. You should also ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device that allows for clear communication. If you have any concerns about finding a suitable space, just let us know—we’ll work with you to find the best option.

We provide services across the whole of the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.