Life as a Functional Assessor at Advo Health

At Advo, we believe in assessing health, compassionately. Many of our Functional Assessors come from clinical backgrounds—like Juliet Stocks, a former nurse who now brings empathy and insight into every conversation.

“You’re always speaking to someone new. Different background, different challenges. You must make sure you are listening, not just ticking boxes. You’re trying to look at someone’s world from their perspective so you can understand what that person is going through.”

Recently, she spoke to a claimant who was living with severe anxiety. From the beginning of the call, it was clear the woman was distressed so Juliet took her time, spoke gently, and offered reassurance during the whole conversation.

“I wanted to make sure she could cope with the assessment and felt OK.” she explains. “It was about staying calm, being patient, and showing empathy.”

After completing the initial assessment, Juliet thought the case was closed. But a few days later, it was flagged for additional information and a colleague contacted the claimant to arrange a second call.

“The claimant told my colleague she was happy to speak to me again because I’d been so kind,” Juliet recalls.

When Juliet rang back, the claimant repeated something that stayed with her:

“I was more than happy to speak to you because you were one of the loveliest people I’ve ever spoken to.” Juliet remembers the claimant’s words with pride. She continues, “That made my day! That’s all I want, really. For people to hang up the phone thinking that they were treated with kindness.”

It’s moments like these that remind Juliet how her clinical background still plays a central role in the work she does, only in a different setting.

Changing careers without leaving care behind

Juliet joined Advo in August 2021 after a long career in nursing, bringing nearly two decades of clinical experience in orthopaedics, renal care, and rheumatology. Like many healthcare professionals who become Functional Assessors, she was looking for a role that offered a better work-life balance without losing the chance to make a real impact.

“My clinical background is quite varied, and I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve really getting to know people and supporting them through difficult moments.”

Today, as a Functional Assessor, she continues to make a difference, but in a different way.

“We assess people who are applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP),” Juliet explains. “They send in a questionnaire and sometimes additional evidence from their GP or other healthcare professionals. We review that, and then I conduct the assessment over the phone.”

Functional Assessors like Juliet are at the heart of what we do at Advo. It’s a role that blends clinical expertise with communication, empathy, and critical thinking—perfect for experienced healthcare professionals who are ready for a new chapter but still want to make a meaningful impact.

“I still get to use my clinical knowledge every day,” she explains. “But now it’s about listening, understanding, and helping people explain how their condition affects their daily life. It’s a different kind of care—but no less important.”

A supportive culture in a remote environment

Alongside the meaningful work, Juliet highlights the culture at Advo as one of the most rewarding parts of the role. Whether it is managers checking in or colleagues sharing advice, she feels part of a team that genuinely looks out for each other.

“I’ve had some personal challenges while working here, and the support I received was just amazing. Simple things, like someone asking, ‘Are you OK?’, that can make your day. And I try to pass that on to others now.”

She also values the peer support and encouragement built into the day-to-day.

“We all help each other out. And when you’re working from home, even just saying ‘good morning’ on Teams makes a real difference.”

For Juliet, empathy isn’t just something you offer to claimants—it’s built into the culture at Advo.

Thinking of a career change? 

For nurses and other healthcare professionals considering a career change, the Functional Assessor role at Advo offers a rewarding alternative to hospital-based work. It allows you to use your clinical knowledge in a supportive, flexible environment while continuing to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“You use your knowledge in a different way,” Juliet says. “And you’re still helping people—it just looks a little different now.”

At Advo, compassion and support go hand in hand—for both the people we assess and the people we work alongside.

“I genuinely feel valued at Advo,” Juliet says. “We’re not just doing assessments—we’re treating people with care. And that really matters.”

Every day, Functional Assessors across Advo bring empathy, professionalism, and kindness to their work. Juliet’s story is one example of the impact that comes from listening closely, asking carefully, and supporting each other along the way. If you work at Advo, this story is also yours.

And if you’re considering a role where your clinical experience and compassion can make a real difference, take a look at our careers page to explore current opportunities.