Safeguarding
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) should be told when it's been alleged that someone who works with children has:
- behaved in a way which has harmed or might harm a child
- possibly committed a criminal offence against a child
- behaved towards a child or children in a way that suggests he or she would pose a risk of harm
- behaved in way that indicates they're unsuitable to work with children
What the LADO does
The LADO is responsible for:
- giving oversight and managing allegations against people who work with children
- giving guidance to employers and voluntary bodies about how to deal with allegations against people who work with children
- liaising with the police and other groups to make sure that cases are dealt with as quickly as they can
- reporting to the local safeguarding children's board about all allegations against people who work with children and their outcomes
Read more about the LADO role.
If a concern is raised by someone who isn't the employer or the organisation, then sometimes the LADO will advise that a different procedure (for example - making a complaint) is more appropriate.
Contacting the LADO
For LADO referrals or enquiries, please complete and return the LADO referral form.
If you need to discuss a referral you can contact the LADO by calling 01226 772341.