Managing Allegations
Colette Morris
Local Authority Designated Officer
(LADO) - Oldham
Roisin Rafferty
Local Authority Designated Officer
(LADO) – Salford
Safeguarding
Safe Recruitment
Induction
Managing Allegations
Training and
Supervision
Review
Safe practice
What is an allegation
When 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; or
behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work
with children
“ It is important to ensure that even apparently less serious allegations are seen to be
followed up, and they are examined objectively by someone independent of the
organisation concerned”
Working Together 2006 appendix5 ( para1.3 )
Why do allegations arise
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Poor safeguarding culture within an organisation
Accident
Naivety, poor practice or unawareness of the problem
Unintentional or misinformed action
Failure to follow procedures or behaviour guidelines
False allegation/misinterpretation of behaviour
Malicious intent
Use of physical restraint – authorised or unauthorised
Deliberate intention to abuse
Allegation/concern
Allegation/concern reported immediately to Senior Manager
named in the employer’s procedures
Behaved in a way
that has harmed
the child or may
harm a child
Possibly
committed a
criminal offence
against, or related
to, a child; or
Behaved towards
a child/children in
a way that
indicates s/he is
unsuitable to work
with children
Senior Manager considers alleged
behaviour/concern to ascertain if adult
has:
And within 1 working
day of decision
If NFA – written
record should be
sent to LADO
Consult LADO – Roisin Rafferty to consider next
steps (0161 603 4500)
Strategy discussion/meeting with LADO and held within 5
working days and decision made regarding the course of
action
New Roles

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Manage and oversee individual cases
 Provide advice and guidance
 Liaise with police and other agencies
 Monitor progress of cases
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Social Care
Police
Health
SM
SM
SM
LADO
SM
SM
Probation
Voluntary Sector
SM
CAFCASS
SM
Prison Service
Local Safeguarding
Children Board
LSCB Structure for Supporting
the Management of Allegations
(Para 3.26 P79 WT06)
LSCB Member
Named Senior
Officer in each:
Local Authority
Police Force
Named Senior
Officer
Senior Officer
(Para 6.23 P152 WT06)
(Para 6.24 P152 WT06)
District Council, YOT,
Probation, SHA, PCT,
NHS Trust, Connexions,
CAFCASS, STC,
Children’s Prison
(Para 11 P241 WT06)
Other Members
Senior Officer
(Para 11 P241 WT06)
Local Authority Designated Officer (s)
(Para 6.23 P152 WT06)
Police
(Para 6.24 P152 WT06)
Senior Manager Identified in Employers Procedures
(Para 12 P242 WT06)
Key considerations
Being clear about:
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Record keeping
Information sharing/confidentiality
Timescales
Supporting those involved
Monitoring progress
Action to be taken – during investigation and on conclusion
Learning lessons
Contact Details
Colette Morris (Oldham LADO)
E-mail: Colette.morris@oldham.gov.uk
Tel No: 0161 770 8870
Roisin Rafferty (Salford LADO)
E-mail: Roisin.rafferty@salford.gov.uk
Tel No: 0161 603 4350