Return to work interviews: template and guidance

Run positive and practical return to work interviews with this downloadable template, and read advice on how to prepare and what to cover.

Last reviewed on 17 December 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 1884
Contents
  1. Download our template interview form
  2. Assess if an interview will be useful
  3. Prepare for the interview
  4. Conduct the interview as soon as possible

Download our template interview form

It covers questions about:

  • Dates of absence and history
  • Reasons for absence
  • Plans for workplace adjustments and reintegration
KeyDoc: Return to work meeting form DOCX, 129.6 KB
Download

Note: your local authority (LA) or trust may have its own form that it expects you to use, so check with it first before using our template.

If you do use ours, check it against any relevant absence policies you have, to see if you need to add any questions.

Assess if an interview will be useful

A return to work interview can help you understand how to support staff in getting back to work after an absence.

After a long-term period of absence such as: Sick leave Maternity, paternity or parental leave Time off for study For staff members returning to a different working arrangement like: Flexible or part-time working A phased return to work If the staff member has