The LADO Service, alongside the SSCP, have developed new Managing Low Level Concerns Training, now available to book through the SSCP Training Page.
The workshops will be for Case Managers (DSL’s or person overseeing Allegation Management process) in school settings (one space per school). The workshop will be delivered as scenario-based sessions to consider the statutory guidance in KCSiE (2023), which differentiates between low-level concerns (managed by schools internally) and allegations of harm which require a notification to the LADO Service.
The workshop will run for 2 hours with the key objective of increasing confidence in determining if allegations meet the threshold for LADO involvement, or if the school should utilise their internal low level concerns policy.
Who are the LADO’S in Somerset?
Every local authority has a statutory responsibility to have a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who is responsible for co-ordinating the response to concerns that an adult who works with children may have caused them, or could cause, harm. The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) works within Children’s Services and provides advice and guidance to employers, organisations, agencies, and other individuals who have concerns about the behaviour of an adult who works with children and young people. Included in this group are volunteers, agency staff and foster carers as well as people who are in a position of authority and have regular contact with children, such as religious leaders, political figures, or school governors.
The LADOs for Somerset Council are Anthony Goble and Stacey Davis. The team is supported by the LADO Assistant, Julian Flack.
When should a LADO be contacted?
The LADO should be informed when someone who works with your child – either in a paid or voluntary capacity, has behaved inappropriately and one or more of the following is considered to have occurred:
- the individual has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed your child; and/or
- they have possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to your child; and/or
- they have behaved towards your child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children; and/or
- behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates that they may not be suitable to work with children.
The LADO is responsible for:
- Providing advice, information and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations around allegations and concerns regarding paid and unpaid workers.
- Managing and overseeing individual cases from all partner agencies.
- Ensuring the child’s voice is heard and that they are safeguarded.
- Ensuring there is a consistent, fair, and thorough process for all adults working with children and young people against whom an allegation is made.
- Monitoring the progress of cases to ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible.
- Recommending a referral and chairing an Allegations Management Meeting (AMM) in cases where the allegation requires investigation by police and/or social care.
The LADO is involved from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case. The LADO is available to discuss any concerns and to assist and support you when a notification has been made. If you are new to the role of designated safeguarding lead you may benefit from attending one of the workshops being run by the LADO Service and the SSCP, please take a look at the information below.
If you need to complete an Allegations Reporting Form, your agency or organisation should complete the form within ONE working day of the allegation being known (this is a statutory requirement).
Please complete the form available on the SSCP webpage – Allegations Management, and send this to Somerset Direct at SDInputters@somerset.gov.uk.
Low Level Concern Workshops and Child Protection Training – Available Now for Bookings!
The SSCP deliver the Advanced Child Protection (2 Day) and Advanced Child Protection training which provides attendees with information regarding the role of the LADO and the notification process. You can book onto this training via Events List.
