Allegations against people who work with children in Southwark

The LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) provides advice and guidance to employers and other individuals/organisations who have concerns relating to an adult who works with children and young people (including volunteers, agency staff and foster carers) or who is in a position of authority and having regular contact with children (for example, religious leaders or school governors).

There may be concerns about workers who have:

• 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 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

What should be referred to the LADO

Any concern that meets the criteria above should be referred. Initially it may be unclear how serious the allegation is. If there's any doubt, the LADO or the lead person for safeguarding in your agency should be contacted for advice.

What the LADO does

The first step will be to offer an initial discussion of the concern. This may consist of advice and guidance regarding the most appropriate way of managing the allegation.

The LADO will:

• help establish what the 'next steps' should be in terms of investigating the matter further
• liaise with the police and other agencies, and arrange for a strategy meeting to be held if required; if the case is complex there may be a series of meetings
• monitor and maintain an overview of cases to ensure they're dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process
• ensure child protection procedures are initiated where the child is considered to be at risk of significant harm
• ensure the appropriate agencies are involved in the investigation
• ensure advice is provided in relation to the adult's remaining in post over the course of the investigation
• ensure issues of sharing information with parents and other relevant individuals are considered
• assist an employer in decisions about a person's suitability to remain in the children's workforce, and whether a referral should be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or the appropriate regulatory or professional body

In cases where the adult is unaware of the concern or allegation, it may not be appropriate to tell them immediately and may prejudice a potential police investigation. The LADO will provide advice.

Outcomes

The outcomes of a LADO referral may include:

• finding that the allegation is malicious
• finding that the allegation is unsubstantiated
• finding that the allegation is substantiated
• finding that the allegation is false
• finding that the allegation is unfounded
• internal investigation by the employer including consideration of  disciplinary procedures
• a police investigation
• police prosecution

Where the adult is reinstated, there may be recommendations in relation to additional support, monitoring or training.

Where an individual is dismissed from their post, a referral must be made to the DBS which makes decisions on whether individuals should be barred from working with children.

Compromise agreements are not an acceptable resolution to a concern, and even if someone resigns it should not prevent a full and thorough investigation into the matter.

Contact the LADO

In Southwark, the LADO role is based within the Quality Assurance Unit.

• QAU duty number - 020 7525 3297
• QAU service manager (LADO) - 020 7525 0689

Detailed procedures and guidance relating to the management of allegations against people who work with children are contained within:

• London Child Protection Procedures
• London Safeguarding Children's Board
• Southwark Children's Handbook
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
• Keeping Children Safe in Education

Page last updated: 06 July 2022