The process

A clear, managed process from day one

From your first referral to a delivered report, Return Well handles the entire assessment process — matching you with a verified UK clinician with the right specialism, managing the case, and delivering a clear recommendation.

01
~10 minutes

You submit a referral

Return Well's team reviews your case for completeness, then broadcasts it to eligible, verified clinicians with the right specialism.

What you do

    Complete a structured online intake form
    Describe the employee's role, absence, and your concerns
    Confirm the employee's consent to be contacted
02
Typically same day

A verified clinician accepts

The clinician contacts the employee directly to introduce themselves and confirm availability.

What you do

    You'll be notified when a clinician accepts the case
    Review the clinician's profile and credentials in your portal
03
Within 5 working days of acceptance

Assessment is conducted

The clinician conducts a comprehensive telephone or video assessment with the employee, covering their health, role demands, and barriers to return.

What you do

    Respond to any queries from the clinician via your portal
    Optionally provide additional context or documents
04
2–3 working days post-assessment

You receive a clear report

The case is marked complete. All documentation is stored securely and available for audit purposes.

What you do

    Review the report in your secure portal
    Download or share with HR and line managers
    Follow the return-to-work recommendations
    Request a follow-up if needed

What to expect

A Return Well assessment is designed to be straightforward for both you and your employee.

As the employer

  • A single portal to submit and track all cases
  • Email notifications at every key milestone
  • A structured, professional report with clear recommendations
  • Full audit trail for HR and legal purposes
  • Confidentiality maintained, you receive the report, not the full assessment notes

For the employee

  • An initial contact from the assigned clinician explaining the process
  • A telephone or video assessment at a time that suits them
  • A safe, confidential conversation focused on their wellbeing
  • No obligation to return before they are ready — the clinician is independent
  • A copy of the report if they request it

FAQ

Common questions

How long does the whole process take?

From submission to report delivery, most cases complete within 10–15 working days.

What's included in the report?

The report includes a clinical summary, assessment of the employee's fitness for work, specific return-to-work recommendations (e.g. phased return, adjusted duties, reasonable adjustments), and any relevant clinical observations. It does not include confidential clinical notes.

Does the employee have to consent?

Yes. Employee consent is required before a case can proceed. This is confirmed during the intake process. The clinician will also confirm consent again at the start of the assessment.

Is the clinician independent?

Yes. Every clinician on the Return Well platform operates as an independent practitioner. They are not employed by you and have no obligation to recommend return to work — their role is to provide an objective professional assessment.

What if I need more than one assessment?

You can submit multiple cases at any time. Volume pricing is available for organisations that regularly refer employees, contact us to discuss.

Can the employee see the report?

The report is delivered to you as the referrer. Employees may request a copy directly under data protection legislation. Return Well recommends discussing the report's contents with the employee as part of a return-to-work meeting.

Ready to submit your first case?

It takes about 10 minutes to complete the intake form. No subscription needed, pay per assessment.