LADO and Managing Allegations against Individuals Working with Children.

Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers working in Newham

The role of the Designated Office for the Local Authority (LADO) is set out in the statutory guidance

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

The LADO role reports in to the Newham Safeguarding Children Partnership whose procedures for the Management of Allegations are outlined under Chapter 7 of the London Child Protection Procedures

There is a responsibility to hold a consultation / make a referral to the LADO, within one working day, if you become aware of an allegation that any person who works with children, in connection with their employment or voluntary activity, has:

• Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.
• Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children;
• Has behaved in a way in their personal life that raises safeguarding concerns. These concerns do not have to directly relate to a child but could, for example, include arrest for possession of a weapon;
• As a parent or carer, has a child that has become subject to child protection procedures;
• Is closely associated with someone in their personal lives (e.g. partner, member of the family or other household member) who may present a risk of harm to child/ren for whom the member of staff is responsible in their employment/volunteering.

The LADO will provide advice and guidance on whether the allegation sits within the scope of the procedures. If the allegation does fall within the scope of the procedures, the LADO will oversee the management of the allegation, co-ordinate information-sharing with the right people and monitor and track any investigations, with the aim to resolve it as quickly as possible.

NSCP offers FREE training around this process around Managing Allegations and the LADO Process.

Both of these courses can be booked via the Learning Zone on the NSCP website:

https://www.newhamscp.org.uk/training-brochure/

If you have a concern or would like to speak about a LADO matter, please email LADO@newham.gov.uk or call Alex Mihu 0203 373 6706 / Evelyn Millyard 0203 373 0751.

If you are a parent/carer or a member of the public and are worried about a child, you can contact the MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) on 0203 373 4600.

In case of an emergency or you feel that a child is at immediate risk of harm, please call 999 and request support from the police.

LADO Procedure

LADO Referral Form

 

Contact Details:

Alex Mihu – LADO – 0203 373 6706

Evelyn Millyard – Assistant LADO – 0203 373 0751

LADO@newham.gov.uk