LADO

If a child is in immediate danger please call 999

The LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) is the point of contact in the Council for anyone who has concerns/allegations about an individual working with children.

The LADO helps co-ordinate information-sharing with the right people and will also monitor and track any investigation, with the aim to resolve any allegations as quickly as possible.

If you suspect that a paid or unpaid worker, volunteer or person in a position of trust working with children, has harmed, may harm or failed to protect a child or young person You must tell Barnet’s Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) via MASH on 020 8359 4066.

Criteria:

 Where one of the following allegations have been made, these must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer within one working day.

 These procedures must be applied when there is an allegation or concern that any person working with children, whether in their employment or voluntary activity has:

• 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
• Has behaved in a way in their personal life that raises safeguarding concerns. These concerns do not have to directly relate to a child but could, for example, include arrest for possession of a weapon;
• As a parent or carer, has become subject to child protection procedures;
• Is closely associated with someone in their personal lives (e.g. partner, member of the family or other household member) who may present a risk of harm to child/ren for whom the member of staff is responsible in their employment/volunteering.

In personal life circumstances, these procedures must be followed to consider that ability and willingness of the person to protect the children, what measures need to be put in place to ensure their protection and whether the role of the person is compromised.

The LADO can also be contacted for advice regarding concerns or suspicions about behaviour towards children by staff within Barnet’s children's workforce. This includes volunteers as well as paid staff and those in a position of trust for example faith leaders.

Barnet’s LADO should be contacted via the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team.

To make a referral to the Barnet LADO, please complete this LADO Referral Form:

LADO Referral Form Template (00E) V1.doc (189kb)