A New Starter Assessment (NSA), previously known as a Pre-Employment Assessment, is the most cost-effective way to identify health concerns early, ensuring that appropriate adjustments can be put in place to support the employee in their role. Around 10% of new starters will have medical issues relevant to their fitness for work.

The NSA allows employees to share health information confidentially while helping employers make informed decisions and support workforce wellbeing.

The process begins with a New Starter form, which can often be completed electronically. Where a medical assessment is necessary — either to assess fitness for work or to establish a baseline of health — Valentine OH can organise this in line with the employee’s Health Surveillance Matrix, ensuring ongoing monitoring and compliance.

Key Objectives of a New Starter Assessment

New Starter Assessments are designed to:

1. Ensure compliance with the Equality Act – protecting both the employee and the employer.
2. Identify any relevant underlying health conditions that could affect the employee’s fitness for work.
3. Recommend appropriate adjustments to support the employee in their new role.

How the Process Works

For the Employer

• Early insight: Employees can disclose any health conditions or concerns affecting their ability to work.
• Fitness to work certification: Based on the form and any discussions with an OH Clinician, a fitness to work certificate is issued:
  • Fit for work
  • Fit for work with restrictions or adjustments
  • Not fit for work
• Fast and secure: Valentine OH offers a paperless, electronic process, often completed within 48 hours.
• Integrated with Health Surveillance: Where a medical assessment is required, it aligns with the employee’s Health Surveillance Matrix for consistent monitoring.
• Cost-effective: Screening starts from as little as £30 + VAT per employee.

For the Employee

• Quick and simple: Most assessments can be completed electronically with just a few questions.
• Confidential disclosure: Employees can share health concerns affecting their new role.
• Tailored guidance: Feedback is shared with HR professionally and confidentially.

Our Role

As an independent Occupational Health provider, Valentine OH screens each employee’s fitness for work. Clinicians may occasionally speak directly with the employee to clarify details. Outcomes are provided in a fitness to work certificate, and, where appropriate, medical assessments provide a baseline for ongoing health monitoring.

What Questions Are Covered?

Our New Starter Assessments focus on relevant health topics to identify potential risks or support needs. You can download an example assessment below.

Setting Up New Starter Assessments

To implement this service in your organisation, contact our team:

• Phone: 0800 020 9913
• Email: service@valentineoh.co.uk

We’ll guide you through a smooth, secure, and compliant setup, helping your business support new employees from day one.