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Contract: Initial 2-year term from start date, reviewed on an annual basis, with the possibility of a further 2-year extension. Employed as an independent contractor.

Solihull Council achieved a ‘Good’ rating from CQC for Adult Social Care in March 2026, including for the ‘Safeguarding’ theme. There were no areas of ‘Requires Improvement’. Building on this strong achievement, the Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board is seeking our next Independent Chair to contribute to delivering further improvements, so that Solihull achieves outstanding adult safeguarding. We are looking for someone who is positive, knowledgeable, collaborative and committed to safeguarding adults. A key value you will hold is a desire to hear from local residents and to ensure their voices inform the work of the Board.

The role

As Independent Chair, you will:

Provide independent leadership of the Board
Facilitate a leadership environment to enable the Board and its members to be proactive, effective and collaborative in meeting the Board’s statutory duties
Support effective partnership working across agencies and professional boundaries
Represent the Board within relevant regional and national safeguarding networks

Who should apply

We welcome applications from individuals who:

Have experience of senior leadership within a public, independent or voluntary sector organisation
Have proven experience of chairing complex partnership or multi‑agency meetings
Have strong knowledge and experience of applying legislation and statutory guidance relating to safeguarding adults

To maintain the integrity of the role, applicants must have no current affiliation with agencies represented on the Board and must be able to demonstrate independence. We do not expect the successful candidate to maintain or take on any role which would represent a conflict of interest, throughout the appointment. They must declare and appropriately manage any interests or potential conflicts throughout the appointment.

How to apply

To apply, please click on the link below. Your application should be in your own words and reflect your own lived and personal experiences.

If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact:

Rachel Swain - Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board Business Manager ssab@solihull.gov.uk

Lizzie Edwards – Deputy Director Adult Social Care Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council lizzie.edwards@solihull.gov.uk

Closing date – 23 August 2026 .

Interviews will be held at Solihull Council House 10 September 2026.

Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate’s current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate’s next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Salary range

£650 per day