Local Authorities should designate officers to be involved in the management & oversight of individual cases. These are called 'Local Authority Designated Officers' (or LADO)

The LADO:
  • provides advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations,
  • liaises with the police, CSC and other agencies and
  • monitors the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible; consistent with a thorough and fair process.

Reference: Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2010 - Section 6.32

Contact Details for LADO:
Dawn Lundergan
Tel: 0845 226 5500

There are regular LADO seminars to explore the issues around Allegations Management.

If you are interested in a place on one of the courses, click on the Multi Agency Training link.

Useful Documents & Links

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010 click here (see section 6.32 & appendix 5)

Handling Allegations of Abuse made against those who Work with Children & Young People DCSF Practice Guidance 2008 click here 

Guidance for Safer Working Practice for adults who work with children & young people click here
(Hard copies are available via the LADO)

Threshold for Considering 'Unsuitability' click here

The Investigation & Referral Support Coordinators have a range of useful guidance documents which can be adapted to suit your organisational needs click here

Independent Safeguarding Authority website www.isa-gov.org.uk (Resource Library for fact sheets, FAQ's & newsletters)

Bichard Inquiry Report click here

Examples of relevant safer working practices policies for statutory and voluntary agencies are available from CWDC website click here

The Allegations Management Procedure from Children's Social Care is being reviewed in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010