Fit for Work: Final Report of a Process Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the Fit for Work program, which was designed to help employees in England, Wales, and Scotland return to work after illness by offering assessments, a helpline, and a website for advice. The program was assessed through a mixed-methods approach, including analysis of management information, interviews, and surveys from 2015 to 2017. The evaluation found that the program had some success in reducing long-term sickness absence, with variations in service awareness and referral patterns among GPs and employers. However, challenges such as low take-up rates, high drop-out rates, and difficulties in implementing recommendations were identified. The program was more effective for mental health conditions and when employers made referrals. Despite some positive outcomes, such as a significant proportion of employees returning to work, the program was discontinued, although the helpline and website remain operational. The evaluation provides a detailed analysis of the program's implementation, employee and employer perceptions, and the effectiveness of the return-to-work process, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding between all parties involved. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Work and Pensions
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Individual interviews; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: June 2018

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes