Allegations Against Staff

If you believe that a child has been harmed by a person in a position of trust*, you should contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service

*A person in a position of trust includes anyone who works with children in the course of their employment or in a voluntary capacity. Examples include: Teachers and other members of school staff, County Council employees, Foster Carers, GPs, doctors, nurses, Police Officers, Probation Service staff, Volunteer workers in schools, clubs or elsewhere Voluntary sector staff, e.g. NSPCC

Kids eating ice cream

The LADO service should be advised of all cases where it is alleged that 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.
  • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children; or
  • Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

The LADO's role is to:

  • Give advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations
  • Liaise with the police and other agencies
  • Monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process

Low level concerns

If you have a 'low level' concern about a member of staff, you should use the complaints procedure for your agency or organisation. The LADO service is happy for you to consult with them about low level concerns.

Initial enquiries and information

The LADO service deals with complaints and concerns about staff members where there is a suspicion of harm or abuse of a child, or where there is information that indicates they are not suitable to be working with children.

It should be noted that whilst the age of consent for a sexual relationship is 16 years, any sexual relationship or sexual contact with a 16 or 17 year old by a person in a position of trust is still unlawful, even if 'consensual'.

For all initial enquiries and information to the LADO service please submit an initial enquiry form.   This will be reviewed by a LADO and advice provided as appropriate.


If further information is required, you may be asked to complete a
LADO notification form. 

You can contact the LADO service on 01962 876364.

LADO process flowchart LADO Allegations outcome table