Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Our Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) give advice and guidance regarding investigations into allegations and concerns against adults who work with children and young people in both a paid and voluntary capacity. They do not carry out investigations, but do advise employers around completing a thorough investigation and what safeguarding action needs to be taken to protect all parties.
LADO oversight of an investigation will result in one of the following outcomes for the subject of the allegation:
- no further action
- unsubstantiated
- unfounded
- substantiated
- false/malicious
When should you make a LADO referral?
LADO intervention should be sought if you have concerns that a person who works with or volunteers with children or young people has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child or young person
- possibly committed a criminal offence against a child or young person
- behaved towards a child or young person in a way that indicates they pose a risk of harm to children
- behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children
If a concern meets the threshold for LADO involvement, a LADO will work directly with the relevant employer and partner agencies to ensure appropriate safeguarding action is taken.
How to make a LADO referral
If you have concerns about the conduct and behaviour of someone working with children and young people in Central Bedfordshire you can report this to our LADOs.
When reporting an allegation to us, please complete the referral form with as much information about the person and allegation as possible. Once submitted, this form will be reviewed by the LADO on duty.
For additional advice and guidance, you can:
Email: lado@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 300 8142
Information to include in a referral
When making a referral to LADO we would ask that you consider the factors below and ensure this information is provided within the referral form:
- What is the allegation or concern?
- When and where is it alleged to have taken place?
- Was it possible? (for example, was the adult in contact with the child at the time)
- Where is the adult now? (is the adult safeguarded from further allegations)
- Where is the child now? (is the child safeguarded from further harm)
Providing accurate and detailed information helps the LADO make timely and informed decisions.
If you are an employer, what action do you need to take
If you are an employer and an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer, you must:
- notify a LADO within 24 hours of becoming aware of the allegation and before starting any investigation
- take immediate action to safeguard both the child and the employee, as appropriate
When you contact us, we may ask you to carry out an investigation. The LADOs will provide advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations around investigations. They liaise with the police and other agencies and monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible, consistently with a thorough, fair and proportionate process.
Complaints
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service is not a complaints service. It does not deal with:
- general dissatisfaction
- service complaints
- employment disputes without safeguarding concerns
The LADO process is only used where there are concerns that an adult working or volunteering with children may have harmed a child or behaved in a way that may pose a risk to children. For all other concerns or complaints, please contact the organisation directly and follow its complaints procedure.