Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) manages and has oversight of allegations across the children’s workforce. The LADO is employed by the council.
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.
Reporting an allegation or need a consultation?
You should contact the LADO when there is an allegation that someone 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
Read the 7 minute briefing guide.
You can also check the 7th Edition London Safeguarding Children Procedures 2022; Chapter 7 Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers (People in Positions of Trust) who Work with Children.
If you have a concern that a person may have behaved inappropriately, or you have received information that may be an allegation.
You should ✅
- Treat it seriously and keep an open mind
- Report it to the Designated Senior Manager within your organisation as soon as possible, however trivial it may seem
- Confirm children are safeguarded
- Make a signed and dated written record of your concerns, observations or the information you have received - ensure that what happened is captured using the child/adult’s own words
- Maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity while an allegation is being considered or investigated
- Follow local information sharing protocols
You should not ❌
- Attempt to deal with the situation yourself
- Make assumptions, offer alternative explanations or diminish the seriousness of the concerns
- Keep the information to yourself or promise confidentiality
- Do anything that might undermine any future action, such as interviewing the alleged victim or witnesses, or informing the alleged perpetrator or parents or carers
- Do not tell the member of staff/volunteer if this might place the child at risk of significant harm or jeopardise any future investigation
- Answer:
If the above criteria has been met then contact needs to be made with the LADO. Please complete the Tower Hamlets Referral Form and email it to LADO@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
The Tower Hamlets LADO regularly checks the LADO mailbox. They will contact the referrer as soon as possible to discuss the case and decide on a course of action.
In cases where it is necessary to speak directly to the Tower Hamlets LADO, you can call 020 7364 0677. Referrers may reach the LADO Business Support Officer or a voicemail. They should leave a message which will be returned as soon as possible.
Complete the LADO form. You can also download the risk assessment framework.
You should also notify the LADO using the LADO 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 the guide for organisation.
- Answer:
If you’re an employee or volunteer who is currently subject to a concern or allegation that is being investigated and the LADO is involved, communicate with your employer for any updates.
The LADO is not able to provide you directly with any information. Your employer should have identified a link person to keep you updated, and should tell you of any decisions in writing.
View the guide for staff and volunteers.
- Answer:
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.
View our guidance on understanding the role of the LADO: a guide for parents and carers.
- Answer:
- 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.
Complete the feedback form.