The role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
The LADO is responsible for overseeing and managing allegations made against individuals who work or volunteer with children.
The LADO provides professional advice and guidance to employers and organisations but does not conduct investigations, interview staff or families, gather statements, or liaise with parents. Any enquiries or investigations must be carried out by the appropriate agency or regulatory body.
The LADO’s role in allegation management is to ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed correctly and to coordinate with partner agencies where necessary.
Due to statutory guidance and data protection requirements, the LADO cannot share information with parents or members of the public about the actions taken in response to concerns.
The LADO service is not a complaints process and cannot be used by the public to raise complaints about organisations, including schools. Any complaints should be made through an organisation’s complaints procedure or directed to the relevant regulatory body.
Referrals to the LADO service
Once the LADO referral has been submitted, this will be reviewed, and if we require any further information we will be touch, to discuss next steps if necessary and appropriate.
Immediate safeguarding concerns
Any immediate safeguarding concerns for a child need to be referred to the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782111 or out of hours 01522 782333 or Lincolnshire Police on 101.
Always ensure you follow your own organisation’s safeguarding procedures.
When an allegation is disclosed/reported:
- do not investigate but please make basic enquiries about the incident (e.g., When, where, what how?)
- do not make assumptions or offer alternative explanations
- do not promise confidentiality
- do treat it seriously and keep an open mind
- do record the details using the child/adult’s own words
- do make sure that safeguards have been put in place (risk assessment/safety planning)
Getting in touch
If you require further information please contact LSCP_LADO@lincolnshire.gov.uk.