Employed by the local authority, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) manages and has oversight of allegations across the children’s workforce. It is the responsibility of the designated safeguarding lead of organisations to report allegations to, and liaise with, the LADO when there are allegations against people who work or volunteer with children Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Contact the LADO
You should make contact with the LADO when there is an allegation that any person who works with children, in connection with their employment or voluntary activity, has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
- possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
- behaved towards a child or children in a way that suggests they may pose a risk of harm to children
- behaved or may have behaved in a way that suggests they may not be suitable to work with children
Employers and professionals
If the above criteria have been met then contact needs to be made with the LADO.
Once the LADO receives a contact form they aim to respond within 24 hours.
Do not call the LADO before filling out the form.
Complete LADO contact form
You should also notify the LADO via the above contact form when, any person who works or volunteers 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 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 the child or children for who the member of staff is responsible in their employment or volunteering
Whilst the LADO provides advice on a wide range of safeguarding issues, they must give priority to cases which meet the statutory criteria for LADO oversight. We encourage employers to use their internal resources such as:
- Designated Safeguarding Leads
- managers advice
- HR services
When someone makes an allegation against an employee or volunteer it is the responsibility of the employer to notify the individual. The employer is also responsible for keeping them updated in relation to any investigation process and possible outcomes.
View A guide for staff and volunteers who work with children where a concern has been raised or an allegation made (PDF 202kb).
Members of the public cannot make referrals directly to the LADO. If you have any concerns in relation to an employee or volunteer you should put them to the person’s employer. If you believe a crime has been committed you can also make a report to the Police.
If you have already raised your concern with the employer, an investigation is ongoing and the LADO is involved; the LADO cannot provide you with any further information. The employer must update you on their investigation and outcome.
If you are unhappy with the outcome or how the employer completed an investigation, you should go through their internal complaints procedure.
If you have a concern that is not in relation to an individual worker or volunteer but an organisation as a whole, you should direct this to a wider governing body if one exists. For example Ofsted or NHS Commissioning Trust.
We appreciate receiving feedback about our services. It enables us to build on current strengths and resolve any current difficulties.
If you have had any involvement with the LADO service we would like to hear your thoughts and experiences.
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Page updated on: 17 February 2023