Management Advice Line
Immediate, expert guidance for managers facing employee health concerns, helping them act early and with confidence.
Occupational Health Services
Expert advice, right when managers need it
At HCML, we understand that when a health concern affects someone at work, managers need clear, dependable advice they can act on quickly and with confidence. Our Management Advice Line gives managers and HR teams immediate access to clinically credible guidance, helping them make informed decisions that protect employee wellbeing and reduce workplace risk.
This service is designed to simplify complex situations, provide reassurance, and empower managers to support their people with empathy and purpose without the need to initiate a full occupational health review unless appropriate.
What is the Management Advice Line?
A dedicated phone line offering real‑time occupational health advice for managers and HR professionals dealing with employee health issues at work. Our clinicians provide clear, outcome‑focused guidance that helps you:
- Address health‑related concerns early
- Support an employee to stay in work safely
- Plan an effective and compassionate return to work
- Understand when adjustments are necessary
- Recognise when a case may need a full OH assessment
Our aim is simple: to give you the clarity and confidence you need to take meaningful action that benefits both your employee and your organisation.
What to expect from your call
During the call, one of our case managers will build a clear picture of the situation and guide you on the most appropriate next steps. This may include:
- Temporary workplace adjustments to help an employee remain in work
- Guidance on designing or refining return‑to‑work plans
- Advice on reasonable adjustments to support performance and attendance
- Clinical education about symptoms, conditions or treatment pathways
- Signposting to internal or external support services
- Identifying whether full occupational health case management is needed
- Recommendations for future considerations linked to the individual’s long‑term health
If the query is complex and requires deeper reflection, they may follow up with a further call or written advice, ensuring recommendations are accurate, thoughtful and aligned to the best possible outcome.
Information we may need
To protect confidentiality and make sure you receive the right level of advice, we confirm identity at the start of every call. We may ask for information about the employee, the health concern and the workplace context, including:
- The type of advice or support you’re seeking
- The employee’s health condition and current symptoms
- How the condition is affecting their work
- How long the issue has been present and whether it is changing.
- Any treatment, interventions or adjustments already in place.
- Attendance concerns or performance impact
- Whether the employee is undertaking full duties or modified tasks
- Any other information the case manager should know
This collaborative conversation ensures our advice is tailored, compassionate and grounded in clinical evidence.
When a Management Referral may be recommended
If the call shows that the employee would benefit from a formal assessment, we may recommend progressing to case management by submitting a Management Referral via the portal. This ensures the right assessment and intervention happens at the right time.
If a referral is already underway but the issue can be resolved through immediate guidance, we may handle it as a Management Advice Line call if that suits the referrer.
Accessing the Management Advice Line
We’re here to support you with clarity, compassion and clinical expertise—helping you take confident action that leads to better outcomes for your employees and your organisation.