Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

If the above criteria have been met complete the LADO contact form.

Do not call the LADO before filling out the contact form

Once received the LADO will aim to respond within 24 hours.

You should also notify the LADO, via the contact form, when any person who works or volunteers with children:

• Has behaved in a way in their personal life that raises safeguarding concerns – these do not have to directly relate to a child but could, for example, include arrest for possession of a weapon
• Is a parent or carer for a child, and 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 children whom the member of staff is responsible for in their employment or volunteering

The LADO provides advice on a wide range of safeguarding issues and must always give priority to contacts which meet the statutory criteria for LADO oversight. Employers are encouraged to use their internal resources including advice from:

• Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Management
• HR 

It is the responsibility of the employer to notify the employee about an allegation and that contact has been made with the LADO.

The employer is also responsible for keeping them updated in relation to any investigation process and possible outcomes. 

Members of the public cannot make referrals directly to the LADO.

Where to report your concern

If you have a concern about someone in the children’s workforce, you should address them directly to the person’s employer and the safeguarding lead.

If there is no employer, for example a childminder, please direct your concern to the registering body Ofsted. For private tutors, private coaches and nannies please refer to the governing body or that the person is registered with. Only if there is no governing or registering body, and you are the direct employer, then you can contact the LADO directly.

What the employer should do

The employer must then review this information and if this meets the allegation criteria then they must complete the LADO contact form within one working day.

If the LADO threshold criteria is not met, the employer may decide to address the matter further under their lower level concerns processes, disciplinary policy or as a formal complaint. 

Crimes against children

If you believe that someone in the children's workforce has committed a crime against a child please make a direct report to the Police. Police also must refer to LADO where appropriate.

Ongoing investigations

If you have already raised your concern with the employer, an investigation is ongoing and the LADO is involved; it is the employer that must update you on their investigation and outcome. The LADO cannot provide you with any further information.

If you are unhappy with the outcome

If you are unhappy with the outcome or how the employer completed an investigation, please use their internal complaints procedure to register your dissatisfaction and follow any recommended routes for escalation should you remain unhappy.

Concern about an organisation

If you have a concern that is not in relation to an individual worker or volunteer but an organisation as a whole, you should direct this to a wider governing body if one exists. For example Ofsted or Integrated Care Board.

If you’re an employee or volunteer who is currently subject to a concern or allegation that is being investigated and the LADO is involved, you will need to communicate with your employer for any updates.

The LADO is not able to provide you directly with any information. Your employer should identify a link person to keep you updated, and should tell you of any decisions in writing.

View the guide When you are subject of an allegation.