Managing allegations of abuse against those that work or volunteer with children
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Southampton has a Local Authority Designated Officer (or LADO) who is responsible for overseeing the investigation of allegations made against those who volunteer or work with children.
Managing allegations
The statutory guidance 'Working together to safeguard children 2018' sets out the requirements for all agencies providing services for children to have procedures in place for reporting and managing allegations against staff and volunteers.
The criteria for LADO involvement applies when an individual volunteering or working with children has:
- Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
- Possibly committed a criminal offence against 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
These four criteria relate to a person's behaviour inside and outside of the workplace.
Making contact
To make a referral to the LADO service please use the LADO notification form:
It is a statutory requirement to do this within one working day of the allegation being made.
Alternatively you can contact the service for advice by either using the LADO notification form or contacting on:
Mobile: 07500 952037
Phone: 023 8091 5535
E-mail: LADO@southampton.gov.uk
