Involvement in Workwell, a multi-centre research trial to test the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Job retention vocational rehabilitation JRVR (WORKWELL) provided by additionally trained National Health Service (NHS) occupational therapists compared to a control group who receive self-help information both in addition to usual care. The presentation is a personal view from involvement in the trail looking at work assessment, defining goals within case study examples from the trail. The ongoing impact of involvement in the trail is also considered.