The role of the LADO and the allegations management process

In order to manage allegations against child care professionals, every Local Authority appoints a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The LADO 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, or
behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk to children. (Working Together 2018)
Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

In this context, the term "professional" includes paid employees, volunteers, casual/agency staff and self-employed workers who will have contact with children as a part of their role. The LADO ensures that all allegations or concerns about professionals or adults working or volunteering with children are recorded appropriately, monitored and progressed in a timely and confidential way. The LADO is involved from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case. The LADO provides advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations, liaising with the police and other agencies and monitoring the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible, consistent with a thorough and fair process.

In Gloucestershire the LADO is Nigel Hatten, who is supported by Tracy Brooks and Jenny Kadodia, the Allegations Management Co-Ordinators. If you are looking for general Allegation Management advice, please contact either Tracy or Jenny on the following number 01452 426320.