Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership

Role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

The role of the LADO is to coordinate and oversee allegations against people who work with children. This includes providing advice and guidance, liaising with the police and other agencies, resolving any inter-agency issues, and monitoring the progress of cases to ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a fair process.

When should you contact the LADO?

As outlined in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ the LADO must be informed of all allegations against adults who work with children.

You should contact the LADO within 1 working day of an incident arising where an allegation or concern appears that a person who works with children, has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child.
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.
• Behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk to children.
• Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

If you are unsure about the above thresholds, then please discuss this with your Safeguarding Lead or Manager first.