Allegations against staff / LADO
If you have concerns regarding someone who works with a child including foster carers and volunteers these should be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). This applies to all paid, unpaid, volunteers, casual, agency employees or anyone working in a self-employed capacity. These individuals are considered working/volunteering in positions of trust.
What must be reported?
As outlined in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ the LADO must be informed of all allegations against adults who work with children.
The LADO is located within Children and Families Services and 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
- 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 that they may not be suitable to work with children
What will happen next?
The LADO will record all concerns, including allegations or offences emanating from outside of work. They will provide advice and guidance and help determine that the allegation sits within the scope of the procedures.
The LADO is involved in the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case and will provide advice and guidance to Senior Managers on the progress of cases to ensure they are resolved as quickly as possible. In addition, the LADO will help co-ordinate information sharing with the right people. They will also monitor and track any investigation with the expectation that it is resolved as quickly as possible.
See the Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
(link) procedure or search for 'LADO' at http://cumbrialscb.proceduresonline.com/index.htm.
Contact us
If you have concerns regarding an adult who works with a child then this should be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day. To report a concern to LADO please use the notification form:
Send completed forms to the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub, using any of the following methods:
(please note: if sending by email we advise that the document should be password protected) How to password protect a document
- Tel: 03003 033892
- Fax: 01768 812090
- Email: lado@cumbria.gov.uk
- Post: LADO, Cumbria Safeguarding Hub, Skirsgill Depot, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2BQ
LADO Contact Card - click link to download contact details
Please note if you are worried that a child is at risk of immediate harm please contact the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 or see How to refer a child
LADO working hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm
In case of emergency outside of the above hours please contact Emergency Duty Team on 0333 240 1727
Additional Resources
LADO Consideration of alternative to suspension
LADO Summary of Allegations Management Procedures
LADO for Employers (leaflet) - managing allegations about adults who work or volunteer with children
LADO for Foster Carers (leaflet) - when an allegation has been made about you
LADO for Individuals (leaflet) - when an allegation has been made about you
LADO for Parents/Carers (leaflet) - what happens next?