The LADO role applies to paid, unpaid, volunteers, casual, agency or anyone self-employed and can relate to concerns regarding allegations or offences emanating from outside of work as well as their practice whilst working with children. More information is available on the PCSB website.
The LADO 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, or
- Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to a child
- Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates this person is unsuitable to work with children.
- Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates this person may pose a risk of harm to children
If an allegation is made against a member of staff in your setting, you must manage the situation in line with clear and robust safeguarding procedures. It is essential that the LADO is informed and that you do not carry out any investigations or discuss the situation with the member of staff concerned as this could affect the outcome. A decision needs to be made by the setting manager whether to suspend the staff member (this is to protect both them and all involved – not a suggestion of guilt) or to allow them to continue working – this depends on the level of risk involved.