Expert Ill Health Retirement Assessments

Navigating ill health retirement can be complex and sensitive for all involved. COPE provides clear, impartial and evidence-based assessments conducted by experienced Occupational Health Physicians, helping employers, employees and pension trustees make informed, confident decisions.

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Ill Health Retirement may be considered when an employee's health condition, disability or illness has a significant impact on their ability to continue working, and all reasonable options to support a return to work or ongoing employment have been explored. As part of the process, employers and pension schemes often require an independent medical assessment to determine whether the individual meets the relevant pension scheme criteria.


At COPE, our Occupational Health specialists provide clear, impartial and evidence-based Ill Health Retirement assessments, helping employers, pension scheme administrators and employees navigate what can often be a complex and sensitive process. Our assessments are designed to:

  • Provide an independent medical opinion based on available clinical evidence
  • Support compliance with pension scheme requirements and eligibility criteria
  • Assess the impact of an individual's health on their functional capability and work capacity
  • Consider prognosis and the likelihood of returning to work in the future
  • Assist employers in making fair, informed and defensible decisions
  • Provide clear, practical recommendations throughout the assessment process

Our ill health retirement assessment process is designed to be thorough, impartial and sensitive to the circumstances of the employee:


  • Medical evidence review — our OHP gathers and reviews all relevant medical evidence, including GP reports, specialist letters and any other supporting documentation, to build a comprehensive picture of the employee's health
  • Consultation — a face to face or remote consultation is conducted with the employee, allowing the OHP to verify medical history, assess current and future capabilities, and understand the impact of their condition on their ability to work
  • Report — a clear, comprehensive report is produced, written to meet the specific requirements of the relevant pension scheme. The report covers the relevant medical facts, the employee's current and future work capabilities, and the reasoning behind the clinical opinion
  • Trustee support — where required, our OHPs are available to attend trustee meetings to provide additional advice or clarification to support the decision making process


Throughout the process, your dedicated Customer Relationship Manager is on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly and all parties are kept informed.

Different pension schemes have their own specific eligibility criteria and reporting requirements for ill health retirement, and it is essential that assessments and reports are tailored accordingly.


COPE's Occupational Health Physicians have extensive experience working across a wide range of pension schemes in both the public and private sector, including:


  • NHS Pension Scheme
  • Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
  • Teachers' Pension Scheme
  • Private sector occupational pension schemes

Our OHPs are experienced in producing reports that meet the specific requirements of each scheme, ensuring the process is as straightforward as possible for employers, employees and trustees alike. If you are unsure whether we cover your specific pension scheme, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Why Choose COPE For Ill Health Retirement?

At COPE, our mission is to maximise attendance and wellbeing through healthy work. 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.
All assessments are conducted by our experienced Occupational Health Physicians, who have worked across a wide range of pension schemes in both the public and private sector. Every report is clear, evidence-based and tailored to the requirements of the relevant scheme — giving employers, employees and trustees the confidence to make informed decisions.
As with all COPE services, every customer benefits from a dedicated Customer Relationship Manager and access to our secure online portal, ensuring a smooth, well managed process from referral to report. And as a SEQOHS accredited provider since 2013, you can be confident that COPE upholds the highest standards of occupational health practice.

Get Support With Ill Health Retirement

Whether you are dealing with an ill health retirement case for the first time or looking for a trusted occupational health partner to support your organisation, our team is ready to help. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.

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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 us as a team and our colleagues."

Community Housing Group

"We've worked with COPE for many years and found their approach to be highly organized and efficient. From the initial referral to the recommendations is always smooth and streamline with no delays. They identify our priorities and outline a clear plan of action between Managers and their staff. Regular progress updates ensured managers are kept informed, and any adjustments were handled promptly. Based on this experience, COPE offers a dependable and well-structured service for anyone seeking Occupational Health Services."

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

"We have been very pleased with the service provided, and in particular the turnaround times of reports and new starter screening means 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 pleased to recommend their overall service."

Two Counties Trust

Standards You Can Trust

COPE has held SEQOHS accreditation since 2013, demonstrating our commitment to safe, effective and high quality occupational health services.

View all of our accreditations & certifications