Allegations management in the children's workforce
Essex Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Service
If you have concerns or receive a complaint or allegation that a worker or volunteer 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
(This may include matters relating to private life concerns and historical abuse allegations.)
As per SET Child Protection Procedures, chapter 7 you must make a referral within one working day to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to discuss the nature of the concern and agree what further actions are required.
To make a referral to the LADO
To make a Referral to Essex LADO please complete the following steps:
- Please email Lado@essex.gov.uk and put in the subject line ‘Intention to Refer’.
- You will receive an automatic response email – this is your secure link to send a completed referral to the LADO.
- Complete your referral form which can be found below.
- Please reply to the automatic response email and attach your referral form.
There is no need to password protect your referral form as this link is secure. Your referral will be reviewed by the duty LADO who will contact you as soon possible. There is no need to contact the LADO again unless you do not receive a reply within 24 hours of submitting your referral.
Email: LADO@essex.gov.uk
Telephone: Duty Line 03330 139797
The LADO referral form can be found below.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. DBS is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office.
The DBS Website has a lot more information including referrals guides and factsheets.