Solihull Council rated among highest performing authorities for adult social care

Group photo of adult social care celebrating 'Good' rating

Solihull Council’s adult social care services have been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in a report published today (Wednesday 18 March 2026). 

The Council received a score of 84% and that places Solihull fifth in the country against other local authorities that have had a recent CQC inspection (as of 18 March 2026). 

The inspection looked at nine quality areas in which Solihull achieved three ‘Outstanding’ and six ‘Good’ ratings - very few councils have achieved ‘Good’ or better for all nine areas. 

Councillor Tony Dicicco, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, commented: 

“I am absolutely delighted with this outcome and that the commitment and compassion of our staff and leaders have resulted in this ‘Good’ rating, with ‘Outstanding’ elements. It is a testament to their dedication and hard work in providing high quality services to support adults and carers in Solihull each and every day. 

“We could not have achieved this without our strong partnerships with the NHS, social care providers and our highly valued voluntary and community organisations. It is an opportunity to take a moment to celebrate this achievement together.

“This fantastic result is a foundation from which we will strive to further improve, so we can continue to do our best for local people and carers.” 

There was strong praise for Solihull’s committed adult social care workforce, with CQC describing staff as knowledgeable, kind, dedicated and compassionate. Inspectors also acknowledged how individuals they spoke to receiving adult social care felt respected, listened to, and offered choice throughout assessments and reviews. 

The report noted that Solihull’s overall approach supports people to make their own decisions, build on what they can do themselves, and reflects people’s goals and how they wish to live their lives.

Co-production was also described by CQC as integral to the Council’s approach. This is a way of working whereby people who use adult social care services, carers and communities help review services and then work with the Council to develop and improve them.

Jenny Wood, Solihull Council’s Director of Adult Social Care and Deputy Chief Executive, added:

“Our first focus is always on the people we support, and it is wonderful to see this reflected so positively in the report. That CQC has found our workforce to be kind, dedicated and compassionate is very special and reflects the many compliments we receive. We could not have achieved this result without the effective and constructive working arrangements across the Council, and with the many wider partners who work closely with us.”

Other areas of the report highlighted how the Council understood its local population profile and demographics very well to reduce inequalities in people’s care and support experience. This included ongoing work to break down stigma and build trust and awareness in the community, so that when people need support, this is provided in ways that people want. A recent focus on men’s mental health was highlighted as an example. In addition, staff are positively working with people with sensory needs, autistic people and people with a learning disability, to remove barriers and promote inclusion.

Read the report in full on the CQC website