Allegations Management

Reporting an Allegation

If you need to report an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by someone who works with children / young people, please complete an Allegations Reporting Form and send to Somerset Direct at – sdinputters@somerset.gov.uk

The procedures relating to Allegations Management should be followed when it is alleged that a member of staff 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; or
• behaved, or may have behaved, in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children. 

On being advised of an allegation which meets any or all of the above criteria, the designated safeguarding lead / case manager (schools) for your agency or organisation should contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within ONE working day. 

Read the Somerset LADO Guidance Document HERE

Role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Service 

The LADO Service provides advice and guidance to the designated safeguarding lead / case manager (schools) when dealing with allegations against the organisation’s employees or volunteers.  

Depending on the nature of the allegation, the LADO Service will liaise with Somerset Children’s Social Care and/or Avon & Somerset Police, before advising the agency / organisation / school who have made a referral. 

It is also the remit of the LADO Service to monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible, consistent with a thorough and fair process. 

Further Information  

The following documents are available that provide information relating to the procedure for managing allegations against people who work with children and young people. These provide a summary of the process(es) and are intended to complement, not replace, your own organisation’s existing policies and procedures. 

Please click on the resources below to download: 

Allegations Management Procedure Information – for Employers

Allegations Management Procedure Information – for Employees and Volunteers 

Allegations Management Procedure Information – for Parents and Carers

Allegations Management Procedure Information – for Foster Carers

‘Understanding the role of the LADO’

To help young people understand what happens when they make an allegation (or someone reports an allegation on their behalf), the following video clip has been produced by the SSCP Youth Forum.  

This short video may not be suitable for all young people as this will depend on a number of factors including their age, individual needs, and preferred method of communication. As a parent, carer or professional you are best placed to assist the young person in understanding the process.