New Starter Assessments
For individuals who have been successful in their application for a new role, or for existing employees who may be entering into a new role within the business, as a “new starter” it is important that an individuals’ physical and psychological health and wellbeing is suitably assessed [ideally] prior to them commencing their new role.
Not only do new starter assessments ensure that employers are advised accordingly in relation to their legal obligations to minimise any risks that an employee may be exposed to in their working environment, new starter assessments are also effective in identifying any factors that may be present, and of which may affect an individual’s ability to carry out a specific role safely and effectively. Further, as defined under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (disability related), it is important that an employer is aware of, and can consider any reasonable adjustments to support the individual in their role at an early stage.
The new starter assessment process involves the individual completing a confidential New Starter Questionnaire (NSQ), and the OH clinician assessing for any underlying conditions / health conditions that may need to be considered in determining fitness for role, and in determining whether there is a requirement for consideration of any reasonable adjustments that would likely support the candidate / employee in their role.
The new starter assessment process will also include assessment of vaccination and immunisation history, where this is required, and the process also allows the opportunity for the OH clinician to discuss, remind, and educate both the individual and the employer on health and wellbeing at work in general, and on their obligations under Health and Safety law.
At TJM Occupational Health and Wellbeing, all NSQs are triaged, and assessed by a highly skilled and experienced OH Clinician. There are typically two types of assessment for new starters:
Paper screen assessment – this is where the individual’s completed NSQ will be reviewed by an OH clinician. Upon satisfactory review from the information provided, the relevant business representative [i.e., a named HR representative / recruiting manager] will be advised accordingly in the form of a “NSQ outcome report”. The report will indicate whether the individual is deemed fit for the role in which they have applied, with or without the requirement for reasonable adjustments.
Paper screen with follow up assessment – Following the initial NSQ paper screen assessment process, there may be occasions where the OH Clinician will need to make contact with the individual directly to obtain further information before they are able to make a determination on fitness for the role, and on any advice regarding any reasonable adjustments. This is usually undertaken via a telephone / video consultation with the individual; however there may be times when a face to face appointment may be recommended.
Please be aware that at TJM Occupational Health and Wellbeing, we would always seek to undertake a follow up call if a candidate / employee discloses a health condition, and / or details regarding any medication they take, and / or details regarding a neuro-divergent condition etc. This is to determine any dates of diagnosis, whether a disclosed condition is adequately and effectively managed, to consider any side effects of medication / treatment etc., and to ensure that as an employer, you are being advised accordingly.
Once all relevant information has been obtained, the relevant business representative [i.e., a named HR representative / recruiting manager] will be advised accordingly in the form of a “NSQ outcome report” indicating whether the individual is deemed fit for the role in which they have applied, with or without the requirement for reasonable adjustments.
Following assessment of NSQ’s, outcome reports are provided to ensure that there is a clear record of any [relevant] factors relating to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the individual prior to / upon commencement of post; the outcome report will be clear regarding any advice and / or recommendations relating to reasonable adjustments, to include advice and guidance regarding the employer meeting their obligations under legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 [disability related], and regarding any other factors, and / or statutory requirements that may need to be considered; i.e., vaccination and immunisation requirements, and appropriate and suitable workplace risk assessments.
The NSQ assessment outcome report will also ensure that as an employer, you have a baseline report with relevant information regarding any identified issues, or not; and therefore, this can be particularly helpful should any problems arise after an individual commences their employment in their new role.
There may be occasions where during the NSQ assessment process, the candidate / employee discloses additional information relating to a condition / health condition, or medication, or multiple conditions that will require a more thorough and detailed OH assessment; in this instance, you will be notified, and advised accordingly.
If you would like further information or advise on New Starter assessments, or you have any queries or concerns relating to an employee’s fitness to undertake their duties, please do not hesitate to contact us using the enquires tab / contact details below.
Please note: whether a new employee, or an existing employee moving into a new role, if at any point there are any concerns regarding the Health, Safety, and / or Wellbeing of an employee at work, or there are concerns regarding their fitness to safely and effectively undertake their contracted hours / duties, we can provide prompt bespoke advice and guidance on any next steps that as an employer you may need to consider; therefore, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
