Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Date: 02 January 2020
Have you heard about the LADO? Would you know what and who it is? LADO stands for Local Authority Designated Officer and in Barnsley the role is undertaken by Ruth Holmes. The primary duty is to co-ordinate all allegations and concerns made against a person who works with children (on a paid or voluntary basis). As such, any allegations and concerns relating to someone who works with children must be reported/discussed with the LADO. This includes concerns outside of the work place in a personal capacity. As an example if there were concerns that someone had accessed child pornography, this would require a referral to be made. Or a staff member who is the perpetrator of domestic abuse in a household with children present.
The LADO will:
- Provide advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations
- Liaise with the police and other agencies to co-ordinate the LADO process
- Monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process.
These cases are often difficult to deal with/report, so please contact Ruth on 01226 772341 or the Designated Nurse/Named GP for safeguarding on 01226 433708. Any of us will be happy to provide advice and guidance.