Solutions Reviews Officer – AR

Housing Solutions Reviews Officer

Department: Housing
Division: Housing Needs
Grade: PO3
Reports to: Housing Solutions Reviews Manager
Contract: Temporary / Permanent (as applicable)
Working Pattern: Hybrid – currently 2 days per week in the office (subject to change)

To provide a robust, independent and legally compliant statutory review and appeals service, undertaking reviews of homelessness and housing allocation decisions in line with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and Lambeth Council’s statutory duties. The postholder will ensure that review decisions are lawful, defensible and capable of withstanding legal, political and public scrutiny, while delivering fair outcomes for residents with complex housing needs.

• Conduct independent statutory reviews under s202 Housing Act 1996, ensuring decisions are lawful, reasoned and issued within statutory timescales.
• Act at a senior level to Housing Officers, reviewing decisions where applicants are dissatisfied with homelessness or housing allocation outcomes.
• Write and issue formal statutory review decisions on behalf of the Council.

• Apply detailed knowledge of:
  • Housing Act 1996 (as amended)
  • Homelessness Reduction Act
  • Homelessness Code of Guidance
  • Review Regulations
  • Relevant homelessness case law
• Liaise with and instruct Legal Services on Housing Act appeals and Judicial Review matters.
• Represent the Council in County Court where required.
• Manage and mitigate Judicial Review risks, ensuring early intervention where appropriate.

• Manage and control the use of temporary accommodation during review and appeal processes.
• Protect the Council from unlawful decisions, reputational damage and unnecessary legal costs.
• Ensure decisions meet internal quality standards and external legal scrutiny.

• Work professionally with:
  • Service users and their representatives
  • Solicitors and advocates
  • MPs, councillors and the Ombudsman
  • Statutory agencies, voluntary and third-sector organisations
• Attend case conferences relating to high-risk and vulnerable households, including those with complex needs (e.g. mental health, substance misuse).

• Provide feedback to the Reviews Manager to improve frontline decision-making and reduce the number of reviews and appeals.
• Contribute to the development of procedures, guidance and customer information.
• Provide quality assurance to identify and address unlawful or poor-quality decisions.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with information governance requirements.
• Prepare reports, correspondence and evidence for court and complaint proceedings.
• Carry out administrative duties required to support the Reviews Team.

• Deputise for the Reviews Manager when required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post and grade.

(Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be shortlisted)

• Minimum 12 months’ experience within the last 2 years undertaking statutory homelessness reviews under s202 Housing Act 1996.
• Minimum 12 months’ experience within the last 2 years working in a Homelessness Reviews Officer / Housing Reviews Officer role.
• Proven experience issuing legally robust written review decisions.

• In-depth working knowledge of:
  • Housing Act 1996 (Part
    7)
  • Homelessness Reduction Act
  • Review Regulations
  • Homelessness Code of Guidance
  • Relevant homelessness case law
• Specialist understanding of the interaction between homelessness law and:
  • Equality Act
  • Care Act
  • Mental Health Acts
  • Immigration legislation
  • Children Act
  • Welfare Reform legislation

• Ability to analyse complex legal and factual information and reach sound decisions.
• Excellent written communication skills, particularly in drafting statutory decisions.
• Confidence dealing with legal professionals, courts and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and statutory timescales.
• Strong risk awareness and attention to detail.

The postholder is expected to work in line with Lambeth Council’s One Lambeth Values:

• Equity
• Kindness
• Accountability
• Ambition

Demonstrating fairness, professionalism, integrity and a resident-focused approach at all times.