Guidance for Managers and Headteachers

When a medical report is received it is important to review the report thoroughly, then meet with the employee to discuss the recommendations/ adjustments suggested.

When suggested adjustments are implemented it is important to set regular review dates to ensure that these are still appropriate.

Should you or the employee have queries or require clarification on aspects of the report. You/ the employee can email these to Occupational Health (Occupationalhealth@carmarthenshire.gov.uk) to obtain an update from the practitioner.

Please ensure these are submitted within 15 working days of receiving the report. 

As the Occupational Health medical report advises that the employee is fit to return, this would supersede the fit note. We would advise that a conversation be had with the employee to discuss a return-to-work plan.

We understand that the Individual Stress Assessment is a management tool. However, when an employee is referred into Occupational Health for medical advice it is extremely helpful that the actions and outcomes from the Individual Stress Assessment be included. This is to ensure our clinicians understand what is already being put in place from a management point of view. 

Before a case conference is requested, we would urge managers to request clarification on the advice given within a medical report via email in the first instance. 

At times there may be conflicts between the report outcomes, the employee’s opinion and the needs of the service, which need to be addressed, these can often be resolved with a meeting with management and HR.  

A case conference is an informal meeting which is not part of the sickness absence policy. A case conference is used in the most complex cases but is simply a meeting to provide further medical clarification on recommendations outlined in the report. The meeting is held with the employee, manager, Clinician, HR Advisor and a trade union representative where required.  

The Manager would usually lead the meeting with the OH practitioner there to give their medical opinion.