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Children and Young Peoples Services

Services for Adults on the Isle of Wight

LSCB - Professionals

Allegations Guidance

Information for Professionals - Allegations Against Staff.

Working Together 2010 sets out clear guidance about what should happen if an allegation of abuse is made against a person who works with children (Section 6.20 to 6.30).

This is backed up locally by a dedicated section on Allegations Against Staff in the 4LSCB Safeguarding Children Procedures.

The Local Area Designated Officer (LADO):

Local authorities in England should identify designated officers (referred to as the LADO) to be involved in the management and oversight of individual cases of allegations of abuse made against those who work with children as set out in the allegations against people who work with children procedure their role is to give advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations; liaise with the police and other agencies, and monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process.

The role of the LADO is set out in the HM Government guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010)

Appendix 5 outlines the procedures for managing allegations against people who work with children, for example, those in a position of trust.

The LADO works within Children’s Services and should be alerted to all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:

  • Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child.
  • Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child.
  • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children.

The LADO role applies to paid, unpaid, volunteer, casual, agency and self-employed workers.  LADOs capture concerns, allegations or offences emanating from both inside and outside of their service area. The LADO is involved from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case.

They will provide advice, guidance and help to determine whether any allegation sits within the scope of the procedures.

The LADO helps co-ordinate information-sharing with the right people and will also monitor and track any investigation, with the aim to resolve it as quickly as possible.

If you have a concern that a person may have behaved inappropriately or you have received information that may constitute an allegation you should:

  • Report it to the designated senior manager within your organisation as soon as possible, however trivial it may seem. 
  • Make a signed and dated written record of your concerns, observations or the information you have received to pass on to the designated senior manager.
  • Maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity while an allegation is being considered or investigated and follow local information sharing protocols.

You should not:

  • Attempt to deal with the situation yourself.
  • Make assumptions, offer alternative explanations or diminish the seriousness of the behaviour or alleged incidents.
  • Keep the information to yourself or promise confidentiality.
  • Take any action that might undermine any future investigation or disciplinary procedure, such as interviewing the alleged victim or potential witnesses, or informing the alleged perpetrator or parents or carers.

Possible outcomes:

Initial consideration of allegations:
The LADO will discuss the matter with the employer and where necessary obtain further details of the allegation and the circumstances in which it was made. The discussion should also consider whether there is evidence or information that establishes that the allegation is false or unfounded.

Possible responses:

There may be up to three strands in the consideration of an allegation:

  • A police investigation of a possible criminal offence.
  • Enquiries and assessment by children’s social care about whether a child is in need of protection or in need of services.
  • Consideration by an employer of disciplinary action in respect of the individual.

Further Information

You will find a range of supporting documents on the Department for Education website including statutory guidance such as Dealing with Allegations of Abuse.  Whilst this guidance is aimed principally at school and college staff and volunteers, it serves as a good guide across all areas of engagement with children, e.g. sports and leisure activities.

Contacting the LADO

To contact the Local Authority Designated Officer, please use the ‘contact information’ or ‘send a message’ tab above.