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Pre-employment screening

Doctor-reviewed screening to confirm fitness for role and support safe, compliant recruitment decisions

What is pre-employment screening?

Pre-employment screening is a structured occupational health process designed
to assess whether a candidate can safely meet the demands of a specific role.

It sits between a basic declaration of health and a full occupational health assessment. The aim is
to support safe recruitment, ensure legal compliance, and identify any support needs at an early stage,
rather than to exclude candidates unfairly.

What the screening covers

Each screening is role-specific and proportionate,
and may include:

  • Review of a confidential health questionnaire
    completed by the candidate
  • Assessment of the physical, mental, or
    safety demands of the role
  • Consideration of relevant medical history
    in relation to work capability
  • Identification of any reasonable adjustments
    that may be required
  • Confirmation of fitness for safety-critical
    or regulated duties (where applicable)

If a screening identifies uncertainty or complexity, employers have the option to escalate the case to a full occupational health assessment. This enables a more detailed clinical discussion, helps clarify the individual’s functional capability, and supports the development of more tailored adjustment recommendations.

It also provides greater confidence when managing complex or borderline cases. Any escalation takes place only where appropriate and with the employee’s consent.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS

What employers can expect

You receive a clear, structured occupational health report setting out:

Fit for role

Fit for role with adjustments

Further information or assessment required

Not fit for specific duties (with explanation)

OUTCOMES

When is Pre-Employment Screening Recommended?

Pre-employment screening is most valuable where there is a need to understand how a health condition may interact with the demands of a specific role.

It provides early, practical guidance that supports safe, sustainable work and informed hiring decisions. Pre-employment screening is particularly valuable for:

  • 01

    Safety-Critical Roles

    Where an employee’s health could directly affect the safety of themselves, colleagues, or the public.

  • 02

    Regulated or high-risk sectors

    Where organisations must meet regulatory standards or manage elevated operational risk.

  • 03

    Physically or mentally demanding roles

    Where the role places sustained physical strain or high levels of cognitive or emotional demand on the employee.

  • 04

    Roles involving lone working, driving, or shift work

    Where working patterns or environments may interact with health conditions or fatigue risks.

  • 05

    Situations where early support or adjustments may reduce future risk

    Where early identification of workplace adjustments can support safe, effective job performance from day one.

Sarah

Warehouse Operative

Screening for a safety-critical role

Scenario
Mario disclosed a long-term health condition during pre-employment screening for a safety-critical maintenance engineering role. As the position involved working at height and operating machinery, the employer requested occupational health advice to ensure a safe and compliant recruitment decision.

Occupational health review
The screening reviewed the functional demands of the role alongside the likely impact of Mario’s condition on safe working. The assessment focused on risk, symptom stability, and any reasonable adjustments required at the outset, while maintaining medical confidentiality.

Outcome
Mario was confirmed fit for the role with minor workplace adjustments and a recommendation for an early occupational health review after starting employment to ensure ongoing stability.

Result
The employer was able to proceed with a confident, compliant hiring decision, and Mario began work with appropriate support and a clear plan for safe onboarding.

Industries we support

We partner with employers across a diverse range of professional, commercial, and service-led sectors, including:

Financial Services & Banking

Consulting & Professional Services

Technology & Digital

Legal Services & Corporate Offices

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Consulting & Professional Services

Public Sector & Not-for-Profit Organisations

Media, Marketing & Creative Industries

Legal Services & Corporate Offices

Hospitality

Retail & Consumer Services

Education & Academic Institutions

FAQ

Things we’re
commonly asked

No. When carried out correctly, screening supports fair and lawful recruitment by focusing on role requirements and reasonable adjustments.

Typically within 48–72 hours, depending on role complexity and volume.

Answer needed

Not routinely. If further information is needed, we’ll advise on next steps.

Yes — and it is particularly important for safety-critical and regulated roles.
Get started

Let’s chat through your needs today

We’ll guide you to the right service and arrange fast, doctor-led occupational health assessments tailored to your needs.