Ill-Health Retirement
- Physician-led Conducted by Occupational Health Physicians
- Scheme-ready Reports tailored to each pension scheme
What is ill-health retirement?
Ill-health retirement may be considered when an employee’s health condition, disability or illness significantly affects their ability to continue working, and all reasonable options to support a return to work have been explored. Employers and pension schemes often require an independent medical assessment to determine whether the individual meets the relevant scheme criteria.
Our Occupational Health Physicians provide clear, impartial and evidence-based assessments, helping employers, pension scheme administrators and employees navigate what can be a complex and sensitive process.
- Provide an independent medical opinion based on clinical evidence
- Support compliance with pension scheme criteria
- Assess the impact of health on functional capability and work capacity
- Consider prognosis and the likelihood of returning to work
- Help employers make fair, informed and defensible decisions
- Provide clear, practical recommendations throughout
A careful, four-stage process
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1
Medical evidence review
Our Physician gathers and reviews all relevant medical evidence — GP reports, specialist letters and other documentation — to build a comprehensive picture of the employee’s health.
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2
Consultation
A face-to-face or remote consultation verifies medical history, assesses current and future capabilities, and considers the impact of the condition on the ability to work.
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3
Report
A clear, comprehensive report is produced to meet the requirements of the relevant scheme — covering the medical facts, current and future work capabilities, and the reasoning behind the clinical opinion.
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4
Trustee support
Where required, our Physicians are available to attend trustee meetings to provide additional advice or clarification.
Experience across public and private schemes
Different schemes have their own eligibility criteria and reporting requirements — our reports are tailored accordingly.
NHS Pension Scheme
Local Government (LGPS)
Teachers’ Pension Scheme
Private occupational schemes
Handled with care
We understand that ill-health retirement is one of the most sensitive processes an employer can navigate, and we approach every case with the care, impartiality and clinical rigour it deserves. As a SEQOHS-accredited provider since 2013, you can be confident COPE upholds the highest standards of occupational health practice.
What our customers say
Community Housing has appreciated the support provided by COPE Occupational Health. The service feels caring, understanding and supportive, with a thoughtful approach to our colleagues. COPE’s team are approachable and considerate, offering reassurance and guidance when needed. We value the positive relationship we have built and the way they help us support our team and our colleagues.
We’ve worked with COPE for many years and found their approach to be highly organised and efficient. From the initial referral to the recommendations, it is always smooth and streamlined with no delays. They identify our priorities and outline a clear plan of action between managers and their staff. Regular progress updates ensure managers are kept informed, and any adjustments are handled promptly. COPE offers a dependable and well-structured service for anyone seeking occupational health services.
We have been very pleased with the service provided, and in particular the turnaround times of reports and new starter screening mean that issues can be dealt with very quickly. The quality of advice has been very good, as has the level of customer service, and I’m pleased to recommend their overall service.
The advice COPE gives is specific, helpful and practical. It has enabled us to help employees feel supported and comfortable at work.
We use COPE for OH referrals and new starters. We are very happy with the service they provide and the clarity of the advice they give.
COPE offers a dependable, well-structured service. From referral to recommendation the process is smooth, and their team keep us informed at every stage.
Ready to give your people the right occupational health support?
Speak to our team about management referrals, health surveillance, wellbeing and more — or arrange a walkthrough of the COPE portal.