1. Local Authority Designated Officer
Managing Allegations
Colette Morris
Local Authority Designated Officer
(LADO) - Oldham
Roisin Rafferty
(LADO) – Salford

3. What is an allegation
When a person who works with children has
behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child
possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children
“ It is important to ensure that even apparently less serious allegations are seen to be followed up, and they are examined objectively by someone independent of the organisation concerned”
Working Together 2006 appendix5 ( para1.3 )

4. Why do allegations arise
Poor safeguarding culture within an organisation
Accident
Naivety, poor practice or unawareness of the problem
Unintentional or misinformed action
Failure to follow procedures or behaviour guidelines
False allegation/misinterpretation of behaviour
Malicious intent
Use of physical restraint – authorised or unauthorised
Deliberate intention to abuse

5. Allegation/concern
Allegation/concern reported immediately to Senior Manager named in the employer’s procedures
Behaved in a way that has harmed the child or may harm a child
Senior Manager considers alleged behaviour/concern to ascertain if adult has:
Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child; or
If NFA – written record should be sent to LADO
And within 1 working day of decision
Behaved towards a child/children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children
Consult LADO – Roisin Rafferty to consider next steps ( )
Strategy discussion/meeting with LADO and held within 5 working days and decision made regarding the course of action

6. New Roles Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Manage and oversee individual cases
Provide advice and guidance
Liaise with police and other agencies
Monitor progress of cases

7. SM SM
LADO SM SM SM SM

8. LSCB Structure for Supporting the Management of Allegations
Local Authority Designated Officer (s)
(Para 6.23 P152 WT06)
Police
(Para 6.24 P152 WT06)
Senior Manager Identified in Employers Procedures
(Para 12 P242 WT06)

9. Key considerations Being clear about: Record keeping
Information sharing/confidentiality
Timescales
Supporting those involved
Monitoring progress
Action to be taken – during investigation and on conclusion
Learning lessons

10. Contact Details Colette Morris (Oldham LADO)
Tel No:
Roisin Rafferty (Salford LADO)
Tel No: