Concern about another professional

If a Professional has a concern about another professional or volunteer where they have:

�          Behaved inappropriately in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child or

�          Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or

�          Behaved towards a child or children in away that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children

Allegations Management

Dealing with these type of concerns is now called Allegations Management, a process which involves these elements.  (Schools have clear guidelines on how to deal with Allegations against members of staff in the DCPO Handbook)

Reporting to SM

Any allegation should be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate senior manager (SM) with responsibility for Allegations Management.  (Or their deputy if the allegation concerns the SM).

SM ensures the child is protected

Has a serious criminal offence been committed?

If so, the Police must be informed by the SM.

Inform the LADO

Regardless of which organisations the SM must inform the Gloucestershire Local Authority Designated Officer for Allegations Management 

LADO 01452 42 6994 or 01452 58 3638

The LADO will advise on how to proceed, whether the matter can be dealt with within the organisation's own structures (disciplinary/ supervisory) or whether a multi-agency approach is required (strategy discussions)

LADO decides that criteria has not been met

LADO decides that criteria has been met

If the decision is that this criteria is not met and that the issue should be dealt with internally by the agency or organisation concerned the reasoning and advice will be recorded and sent to the SM, Access team manager and Police Child Protection Unit Inspector. Decisions relating to internal procedures are subjected to time scales in the guidance and the LADO will need to be informed of the outcome.

In those cases where the decision is to proceed to a strategy meeting the LADO will make a referral to the Children and Family Help Desk and convene the meeting with the Access Team. These procedures are also subject to time scales in the guidance and the LADO will need to be informed of any out come.