A Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is a specific individual within a local authority responsible for managing allegations against professionals or volunteers who work with children. While the term "LADO team" isn't a formal designation for a group, the LADO's function is inherently collaborative, involving a network of individuals and agencies to ensure the safeguarding of children.
Understanding the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
The LADO is a crucial figure in the UK's child safeguarding framework. This officer acts as a central point for receiving, triaging, and overseeing allegations against individuals in positions of trust who work with children. Their primary goal is to ensure that all allegations are dealt with thoroughly, fairly, and professionally, keeping the child's safety and well-being paramount.
Key Responsibilities of a LADO
The LADO should be notified without delay when specific types of concerns arise about a professional or volunteer. Their responsibilities include:
- Receiving Allegations: Acting as the primary contact point for concerns about individuals who work with children.
- Providing Advice and Guidance: Offering expert advice to employers, schools, social care, police, and other agencies on how to manage allegations.
- Overseeing Investigations: Ensuring that all allegations are investigated effectively, whether through criminal investigation, disciplinary processes, or other relevant procedures.
- Convening Strategy Meetings: Bringing together relevant agencies (e.g., police, social care, education, HR) to develop a coordinated plan of action for each case.
- Monitoring Progress: Tracking the progress of cases to ensure timely and appropriate resolution.
- Decision Making: Making recommendations about whether an individual is suitable to continue working with children.
When to Notify a LADO
Notification to a LADO is essential when it is alleged that a professional or volunteer has engaged in certain behaviours towards a child. These situations include:
| Allegation Category | Specific Behaviours Requiring LADO Notification |
|---|---|
| Harm to a Child | Behaving in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child. |
| Criminal Offence | Possibly committing a criminal offence against or related to a child. |
| Unsuitability | Behaving in a way that indicates they are unsuitable to work with children. |
Note: The third point, "Unsuitability," often encapsulates a range of behaviours not directly falling into the first two, but still raising concerns about an individual's ongoing ability to work safely with children.
For more detailed guidance on safeguarding responsibilities, refer to official government publications like Working Together to Safeguard Children.
The Collaborative Nature of LADO Work
While a LADO is an individual officer, their role is inherently collaborative. The effective management of allegations requires a multi-agency approach, often involving:
- Local Authority Children's Social Care: For assessments of child welfare and protection.
- Police: If a criminal offence may have been committed.
- Employers/Organisations: Where the alleged perpetrator is employed or volunteers.
- Schools and Education Settings: If the incident occurred in an educational environment.
- Health Services: For medical assessments or support.
- Legal Services: For advice on legal processes and employment law.
The LADO acts as the lead professional in coordinating this network, ensuring that all necessary parties are involved and working together effectively. This coordinated effort, often involving numerous professionals, might lead to the informal perception or reference of a "LADO team," as many individuals contribute to the LADO's overarching safeguarding responsibilities. For further information on the role of Designated Officers, resources from organisations like the NSPCC can provide valuable insights.
