Every organisation that works with children should have a manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for progressing allegations that a child may have been harmed. When they are informed of the allegation they must contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours to report the concern.
The criteria for making a report to the LADO are that an individual may 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.
The LADO will agree with the manager/DSL how and when the staff member or volunteer will be informed of the concern. This is dependent upon the nature of the allegation, and any current or ongoing risk to children. If it becomes apparent at any stage that the allegation is false, you will be informed of this and no further action will be taken.