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 2018

 

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 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.
• 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 under the following 2 courses:

Managing Allegations and the LADO Process

Creating Safer Organisations

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

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

LADO referral form 2020