GUIDANCE Working Together (2006) 6.20 - 6.30 and Appendix 5 Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education – Chapter 5 Hertfordshire Child Protection Procedures (2007) – Module 10

APPLIES TO ALL ORGANISATIONS All organisations providing services for children or staff or volunteers to work with or care for children, should operate procedures for dealing with allegations which are compliant with the guidance in Working Together (2006) Section 6.20 – 6.30 and Appendix 5

PRINCIPLES Timely, Consistent, Thorough and Fair Process – provides protection for the child and support to the subject of the allegation Enquiries must be conducted by an independent person – not friend, relative, supervisor or colleague Employers clarify the facts not investigate – when a concern first comes to light Children should not be repeatedly interviewed Confidentiality – ‘need to know basis’ only ‘Unsuitability’ - should be considered throughout the process

CRITERIA The procedures cover all concerns where a person who works with a child 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 / children in a way that indicates ‘unsuitability’ to work with children

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Named Senior Officers (NSO) LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) Designated Senior Managers (DSM)

Named Senior Officer Ensuring the organisation operates procedures in accordance with HSCB child protection procedures Resolving any inter-agency issues Liaising with HSCB on the subject

Local Authority Designated Officer Be involved in the management and oversight of individual cases Provide advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations Liaise with police and other agencies Monitor the progress of cases to ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process

Designated Senior Manager All allegations must be reported to the DSM (or his/her deputy in their absence or if the subject of the allegation) The DSM should report any concern they may have about an allegation not being investigated to their NSO

Process The DSM is not to investigate and/or ask leading questions to clarify an allegation Confidentiality should not be promised Actions to be taken include a written record of the allegation using the informant’s words-including time, date and place where the alleged incident took place, what was said and anyone else that was present. The record should be signed and dated The recipient of an allegation must not unilaterally decide it’s validity

Process The DSM must inform the LADO immediately and always within 1 working day when a allegation is made If there is any difficulty in communicating this to the LADO allegations should be reported direct to the Police (CAIU) or to Social Care – via the call centre client services team Consultation with the LADO must not delay any referral where the concern / allegation is clearly very serious

DSM and LADO ‘Initial Evaluation’ Does the allegation fit the criteria ? There are three strands when considering an allegation: - Police investigation and possible offence - Social care enquiries/assessment about whether a child is in need of protection (S47) or services - Disciplinary action by the employer

‘Initial Evaluation Continued’ Is the allegation demonstrably false ? - no further action Is there a risk of significant harm ? - strategy discussion Is there no significant harm, but possibly a criminal offence ? Is there evidence of ‘unsuitability’ to work with children ?

Suspension An employer should discuss this option with the LADO, it should not be an automatic step Consider where: Police investigation warranted Might be grounds for dismissal Child is at risk of significant harm Support is needed for those suspended from work

DSM / Employer & LADO Clarify facts of the allegation (not investigate) before contacting the LADO Work in partnership with the LADO Provide necessary information Operate a thorough disciplinary process when appropriate Keep the LADO updated on process and outcomes Ensure a properly managed conclusion to process

DSM & Parent / Carer Support and information for parent / carer: - Inform parent / carer of the allegation - Keep parent / carer up to date - Help them understand the process - Inform parent / carer of the outcome (i.e. that there has been a disciplinary process)

DSM & Accused Person Inform the adult after consultation with the LADO about what information can be shared Treat them honestly / fairly Help them understand the concerns and the processes Offer support via welfare arrangements / occupational health Advise them contact their Union / support Inform of the outcome of any processes

Resignations All investigations must be completed and brought to a managed conclusion regardless of resignation ‘Compromise Agreements’ must not be used

False Allegations If an allegation is shown to be unfounded the DSM and LADO should consider: - referral to social care as a child may be being abused elsewhere or be in need of services - referral to police to consider appropriate action if an allegation is demonstrably shown to be malicious

Record Keeping/AMS Database Provides accurate reference, clarification for CRB disclosures and prevents re-investigation A clear and comprehensive summary (LADO 6) should be kept on confidential personnel file, copied to the individual, kept until retirement age or 10yrs if longer The LADO keeps detailed case recording for monitoring and reporting requirements

AMS REPORTING FUNCTION Reports generated by AMS : Supervision Tool Lessons Learnt Case Review Workflow/Timescales Basic Demographic Internal Management Process Offender Profile Counts for DCSF Reporting

LADO Monitoring LADO monitors progress - Fortnightly or monthly - Via strategy discussions / management meetings - Through direct liaison with Police / Social care / DSM (Employer) Police set target review dates - Within 4 weeks of Initial Evaluation - Further fortnightly or monthly reviews

Timescales Target timescales are achievable in most cases: - 80% resolved within 1 month - 90% resolved within 3 months - All cases concluded within 12 months (unless exceptional circumstances)

Contact Details Frazer Smith – Contact Details Mobile: 07920283106 Office: (01992) 556935 E-mail: frazer.smith@hertscc.gov.uk Mel Leicester-Evans – Contact Details Mobile: 07788567906 Office: (01992) 556935 E-mail: mel.leicester-evans@hertscc.gov.uk LADOs WILL WORK ON A DUTY ROTA