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). 

These concerns can apply 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 2023’ the LADO must be informed of all allegations against adults who work with children.

The LADO is part of the Children and Family Wellbeing Directorate in Cumberland Council 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 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 after your concern is raised

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 Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership’s Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers procedure for further guidance.

Contact Us

If you have concerns regarding an adult who works with a child then this should be reported to the LADO within one working day of the concern being identified. 

For advice, please email or telephone the LADO office:

  • Cumberland LADO |  lado@cumberland.gov.uk | 0300 303 3892
  • Postal address: LADO, Cumbria House, 117 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1RD
  • LADO working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

To submit a referral to LADO please use the following notification form:

 

Upon completion of the Position of Trust Referral Form, please email the referral from a secure email address. Alternatively, password protect the document before email to the LADO team. 

 

If you are worried that a child is at risk of immediate harm please contact Cumberland Safeguarding Hub  How to refer a child
 

Additional Resources