Concerned about an adult who works with children (LADO)
You should inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) if you’re worried about someone who works with children.
The LADO threshold:
- 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
You should report allegations to LADO within 24 hours of the incident if the allegation is against workers who are:
- paid or unpaid
- volunteers
- from an agency
- casual or self employed
- foster carers
- adoptive parents of children on Placement Order
How to report an allegation to the Local Authority Designation Officer
Referrals must be made within 24 hours of the incident.
If you have concerns about an adult working with children or young people, you can report your concern by completing a:
How long it will take
Referrals to the Local Authority Designated Officer must be made within 24 hours of the incident.
Once you’ve reported a concern, the Local Authority Designated Officer will contact the referrer within 1 working day. If a Local Authority Designation Officer joint evaluation meeting is appropriate, they will arrange the initial meeting which will include the employer and all relevant multi-agency partners.
Allegations should be resolved within 3 months. But in more exceptional cases they should be completed within 12 months.
Who to contact
- Local Authority Designated Officer Admin - 01634 331 065
Who to contact when concerned about someone who works with adults
Feedback
If you have used the LADO service, you can leave feedback by completing our LADO feedback form.
Download the following LADO resources: