Reintegration programme

The return to work team’s (RTW) job is not just about “getting you back to work”. Members of the team work to ensure you return to health, wellness and work in a safe, timely and sustainable way. They call on a variety of supports to assist with recovery, including engaging Police’s reintegration team.

Reintegration is delivered by peers whose support comes from a place of understanding and experience and recognises the importance of privacy and confidentiality. The programme also has oversight from health professionals, when needed, to ensure the programme meets your needs.

Reintegration is about developing trust in your own skills and abilities again after a confidence knock. Doubt or anxiety can be triggered after critical incident or a traumatic event that mentally or physically injures you. A RTW adviser will discuss consent and a referral with you if they feel reintegration might be a good option for you.

Leading research indicates that remaining connected and engaged with your peers and workgroup reduces the impact of injury on your mental health. It also results in better return-to-work outcomes and to healthiness, wellness and the things you enjoy.

RTW’s goal is to ensure you feel supported while you recover, by enabling the most appropriate care for you. 

Navigation Services

Police Association members often ask how they can be sure the advice they receive about an ACC claim is right. 

RTW advisers can help with navigating complex recovery journeys, however, there are times when you may want to independently check the advice or claim process, clarify relevant legislation, or “fact check” advice from a case manager or advocate. 

Navigation Services was set up to do just this, offering free, independent advice or guidance if you find any aspect of the ACC system difficult to navigate. As an Accredited Employer (AEP), ACC audits Police and Howden Care annually to ensure correct application of legislation and AEP obligations. Advocacy organisations, charitable trusts, friends and relatives are not audited or regulated, so while their advice can be well intentioned, it can vary widely. 

Police fully supports and encourages working with a support person or advocacy service if you need additional support. However, RTW does sometimes see people being given well intended but incorrect advice, resulting in confusion about the claim process, missing out on entitlements or creating unnecessary delays and barriers that prevent engagement.

RTW and Howden Care encourage members to connect with Navigation Services to check any information or guidance you have been given. RTW’s part in a member’s recovery is empowering them to be confident in the process, the decisions made and the management of your claim. Advisers will not be offended if their advice is double-checked with a qualified and independent expert. 

• If you have any queries, questions, concerns or complaints about any aspect of your recovery, contact Helen, your Police RTW adviser, your Howden Care case manager, the NZ Police Disputes manager or ACC. Alternatively, email: Returntowork.admin@police.govt.nz

_{Disclaimer: Reintegration Services is also supported by Safer People Wellness Team and does not replace any services accessed through your normal Wellness channels.}