Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) deals with allegations against staff within the children's workforce in Barnet.
Criteria to report an allegation:
Where one of the following allegations have been made, these must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer within one working day.
These procedures must be applied when there is an allegation or concern that any person working with children, whether in their employment or voluntary activity 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 towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children
- Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children
- Has behaved in a way in their personal life that raises safeguarding concerns. These concerns do not have to directly relate to a child but could, for example, include arrest for possession of a weapon
- As a parent or carer, has become subject to child protection procedures
- Is closely associated with someone in their personal lives (e.g. partner, member of the family or other household member) who may present a risk of harm to child/ren for whom the member of staff is responsible in their employment/volunteering.
In personal life circumstances, these procedures must be followed to consider that ability and willingness of the person to protect the children, what measures need to be put in place to ensure their protection and whether the role of the person is compromised.
The LADO can also be contacted for advice regarding concerns or suspicions about behaviour towards children by staff within Barnet’s children's workforce. This includes volunteers as well as paid staff and those in a position of trust, for example faith leaders.
Barnet’s Local Authority Designated Officer should be contacted via the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team.
To make a referral to the Barnet Local Authority Designated Officer, please complete this LADO Referral Form: