Comprehensive Management Referral Services
Enhance your workplace health strategy with Sigma Health’s management referral services. Our experienced occupational health team delivers tailored medical assessments to support employees facing health challenges, helping employers meet HSE responsibilities and reduce absenteeism. Contact Sigma Health today to improve employee wellbeing and ensure effective workplace health management.
What is a Management Referral?
A management referral—also known as an occupational health management referral—is a formal process used by employers to address health-related concerns affecting workplace performance or attendance. When employees experience long-term sickness absence, repeated short-term leave, or noticeable health-related performance decline, a referral enables an evidence-based occupational health assessment by qualified clinicians. At Sigma Health, we provide fast, compliant OH management referrals that help organisations make informed decisions while fulfilling duty of care and workplace health and safety responsibilities.
When is a Management Referral Needed?
A management referral to occupational health may be required in various scenarios:
Long-term sick leave or persistent absences: When an employee is frequently unwell or recovering from illness, our occupational health referral services deliver a medical evaluation to identify underlying causes, recommend suitable phased returns to work, and guide reasonable workplace adjustments.
Reduced performance due to health concerns: If declining productivity or behavioural changes are suspected to be health-related, our management referral process ensures prompt access to GMC-registered doctors who provide clinical insights and practical recommendations to support performance recovery.
Workplace stress and mental health: Employees struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression require early intervention. Sigma Health’s mental health occupational health referrals ensure access to psychological support, enabling employers to comply with HSE mental health at work standards.
Physical or ergonomic challenges: Employees in physically demanding roles may develop MSK injuries, fatigue, or other physical limitations. Our referral for occupational health assessment includes ergonomic evaluation and guidance on manual handling compliance and risk mitigation.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Employee Wellbeing
Employers are legally required to conduct face fit testing for all employees who wear tight-fitting respirators, such as dust masks or full-face respirators. They should offer appropriate face fit testing services and provide clear instructions on the correct use of protective equipment. Additionally, employers must train staff to recognise respiratory hazards and follow proper procedures for wearing respirators when a risk assessment identifies the need.
These legal requirements for face fit testing are in part specified in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates that employers must protect employees who “are or may be exposed” to breathing apparatus that cannot be worn safely without a face fit test. Furthermore, face fit testing must comply with the guidelines
Ready to strengthen your team's well-being with Sigma Health?
At Sigma Health, we deliver robust health surveillance programmes led by GMC-registered occupational health doctors and certified technicians, ensuring full compliance with HSE regulations. Our assessments are tailored to industry-specific risks across sectors such as construction, logistics, rail, and waste management. By combining clinical precision with operational insight, we help employers identify workplace health risks early, maintain regulatory compliance under COSHH and the Noise at Work Regulations, and safeguard long-term workforce health through clear, actionable occupational health reporting.
How Does the Management Referral Process Work?
Sigma Health’s management referral process is designed to be efficient, compliant, and outcome-driven—ensuring minimal disruption to operations while delivering maximum clinical value.
Once an employer initiates a referral due to employee health concerns such as repeated absence, workplace stress, reduced functional capacity, or concerns regarding fitness for safety critical duties, our clinical team takes immediate action. The employee is scheduled for a professional occupational health assessment conducted by a GMC-registered doctor or a qualified specialist, depending on the nature of the referral.
Each case is reviewed against the latest occupational health guidelines and workplace risk factors, ensuring that our assessment is tailored to the employee’s job role, working conditions, and current medical circumstances. We provide a clear, evidence-based management report detailing diagnosis (where appropriate), functional impact, fitness for work status, and recommended adjustments or follow-up actions. This supports HR teams and line managers in making informed, legally compliant decisions that align with both employee welfare and operational objectives.
From safety-sensitive industries such as construction and transport to corporate and office environments, our occupational health referral process promotes early intervention and targeted support. With data-driven recommendations and rapid turnaround times, Sigma Health’s management referral pathway enables employers to fulfil their duty of care, reduce liability exposure, and implement sustainable workforce health strategies.
Employers across the UK rely on our SEQOHS-accredited management referral services to ensure they meet Health and Safety at Work Act obligations and maintain HR compliance.
Employer Initiates Referral
HR managers or line managers can submit a management referral request online or via our dedicated occupational health team. This ensures a rapid response, enabling early intervention before health issues escalate into long-term sickness absence or workplace risk.
Comprehensive Employee Assessment
Our GMC-registered occupational health doctors conduct a detailed medical assessment, reviewing any physical or mental health concerns affecting workplace capability. This includes evaluating fitness for work, potential reasonable adjustments, and the likelihood of a successful return-to-work plan.
Expert Occupational Health Report
After the assessment, Sigma Health provides a confidential, audit-ready medical report with clear recommendations for the employer. These reports guide HR decision-making, sickness absence management, and compliance with the Equality Act and HSE regulations.
Implementation and Ongoing Support
We don’t stop at assessment—Sigma Health offers ongoing occupational health support, ensuring that recommendations are implemented effectively, employee wellbeing is safeguarded, and operational continuity is maintained without risk to compliance.
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Why is Management Referral so important for any organisation?
- Manager Identification of Concerns: When a manager observes potential health-related issues impacting an employee’s work performance (e.g., extended sick leave, performance decline, stress, ergonomic concerns), they can initiate a Management Referral. This can be triggered by various factors, such as observing frequent absences, a decline in work efficiency or output, or employee self-disclosure of health concerns.
- Referral Through Sigma Health: The manager will contact the dedicated Sigma Health Referral Management Centre. Our team of specialists will guide them through the referral process, ensuring all necessary information is collected to facilitate a swift and accurate assessment by the appropriate OH professional.
- OH Professional Assignment: Based on the specific details outlined during the referral, a qualified OH professional from Sigma Health’s team will be assigned to the case. This ensures a tailored approach to the employee’s specific needs. The assigned professional may include:
GMC-registered doctors: For situations requiring medical evaluation and diagnosis.
Ergonomists: To assess potential ergonomic issues in the workplace and recommend adjustments to optimise employee comfort and safety.
Mental health specialists: To address employee stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns impacting work performance. - Employee Assessment and Recommendations: The assigned OH professional will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the employee’s health and its potential impact on their work performance. Following a thorough evaluation, a detailed report with recommendations will be provided to the manager and employee.
- Implementation and Support: Based on the OH professional’s recommendations, the manager can then work collaboratively with the employee and HR to implement appropriate support measures. This may include workplace adjustments, accommodations, or referrals to further services to ensure a healthy and productive work environment for the employee.
A healthy and engaged workforce is the foundation of any successful organisation. Sigma Health’s Management Referral Program empowers you to proactively address employee health concerns, fostering a productive and thriving work environment. Contact us today to learn more about how our streamlined program can benefit your organisation and unlock the full potential of your most asset – your employees.
Invest in Your Employees’ Safety. Book Your Management referral Today!
Free Consultation Available! Contact Sigma Health to discuss your specific needs and receive a free consultation to determine the management referral for your workplace.
Management Referral Nationwide
As a leading provider of Occupational Health services across the UK, Sigma Health ensures businesses stay compliant, productive, and legally protected. Our SEQOHS-accredited services include Management Referrals, Fit to Work Medicals, Safety Critical Medicals, and comprehensive Health Surveillance. Whether addressing employee health concerns, workplace stress, or fitness for safety critical roles, our GMC-registered doctors and occupational health specialists deliver expert assessments to reduce absenteeism and support workforce well-being.
With nationwide clinics, including Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond, we provide rapid, efficient occupational health services tailored to your business needs. From pre-employment and safety critical medicals to ongoing health surveillance and management referrals, Sigma Health is your trusted partner in workplace health and compliance. Book today to keep your workforce fit, safe, and HSE-compliant.
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Management Referral - FAQs
Contact our team at 0330 133 6470 or info@sigmahealth.co.uk to schedule your appointment.
