Understanding the role of the LADO: A guide for parents and carers

What is the LADO?

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is responsible for overseeing concerns, allegations, or incidents involving individuals working with children and young people. This might be for example a teacher, a childminder, a nursery worker or a police officer.

The LADO ensures that concerns are handled fairly, safeguarding the child’s welfare while also ensuring that individuals are not unfairly treated during the process.

The LADO role is defined by Chapter 7 of the London Safeguarding Children Procedures 2022.

The LADO ensures that all allegations are handled in a balanced and fair manner, protecting the safety of children while ensuring that individuals are not unfairly prejudged.

What does the LADO do?

Coordinates the Management of Allegations: The LADO ensures that any allegations or concerns about professionals, volunteers, or anyone working with children are managed fairly and thoroughly.

Provides guidance

The LADO advises on safeguarding procedures and ensures that the correct processes are followed. They advise organisations on how to handle concerns involving individuals who work with children. Ensures

Proper procedures

The LADO ensure that safeguarding and employment law procedures are followed, and that appropriate actions are taken when concerns arise. They do not undertake investigations themselves.

Ensures fairness

The LADO makes sure that any concerns are addressed without prejudging the individual involved. They focus on balancing the safety of the child with fairness towards the person who is the subject of the allegation.

What the LADO does not do

Does not investigate directly

The LADO is responsible for overseeing the process but does not conduct investigations themselves. Investigations are carried out by employers, police or other relevant agencies such as Ofsted, Nursing and Midwifery Council etc.

Does not accept referrals from parents

The LADO cannot accept direct referrals from parents or carers. If you have a concern, you should report it to the appropriate authority such as your child’s school or organisation.

Does not make decisions on outcomes in isolation

The LADO does not decide the outcome of an investigation alone. They collaborate with other agencies, such as employers, police, and social services, to ensure that decisions are made collectively and fairly.

What happens if there is a concern?

Referral

If there’s an allegation about someone working with children, the employer or organisation makes a referral to the LADO.

Assessment

The LADO assesses whether the allegation meets the criteria for further action.

Coordination of response

If necessary, the LADO brings together relevant agencies, including employers and possibly the police, to discuss the best course of action.

Monitoring the process

The LADO monitors the progress of investigations, ensuring they are completed fairly and in a timely manner.

Ensuring All Voices are Heard

While the LADO does not take direct referrals from parents, they play a crucial role in ensuring that:

The child’s voice is heard: The LADO ensures that the child’s views and feelings are considered throughout the process.

The parents’ concerns are addressed

The LADO works with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the concerns of parents are considered and that they are kept informed of the outcome where appropriate.

The adult is treated fairly

The individual against whom an allegation has been made is not prejudged. The process is handled objectively and in accordance with safeguarding policies.

What should you do if you have a concern?

If you are concerned about someone working with your child, you should report the concern to your child’s school, organisation, or the person’s employer. They will refer the matter to the LADO if necessary.

If you are worried a child is at immediate risk of harm call the police on 999.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the LADO process, the complaint needs to be submitted to the LADO’s line manager.

If you wish to complain about aspects of the investigation, it has to be directed to the organisation/ agency that completed it. To initiate a complaint, please contact SQA@towerhamlets.gov.uk.