Referrals to the LADO should be completed within 1 working day (24hrs) of a concern becoming known where a person who works or volunteers with children in Barking and Dagenham has or is suspected to have:

• Behaved in a way which 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 (KCSIE, ’22).

In line with the London Safeguarding Children Procedures, a referral to the LADO is also required where there is an allegation that a person who works with children:

• Has behaved in a way in their personal life that raises safeguarding concerns. These concerns do not have to directly relate to a child but could, for example, include arrest for possession of a weapon or drug offences.
• As a parent or carer, has become subject to child protection procedures.
• Is closely associated with someone in their personal lives (e.g. partner, member of the family or other household member) who may present a risk of harm to children for whom the member of staff is responsible in their employment / volunteering.

In October 2022, the London Safeguarding Children Procedures were updated in line with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which has extended the definition of Position of Trust within the Sexual Offences Act 2003 section 22A to include anyone who coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs a child under the age of 18, in a sport or a religion.

Where it is suspected that a person has harmed a child or possibility committed a criminal offence against or related to a child, the referrer should NOT discuss the allegation with the staff member or volunteer prior to consultation with the Designated Officer (LADO).

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Referral form

Local Authority Designated Officer:

Mike Cullern, Safeguarding Advisor for Schools and LADO:

Contact: mike.cullern@lbbd.gov.uk  Tel: 0208 227 3934 

LADO Business Support Officer: Caron Avery                                                               

Contact: caron.avery@lbbd.gov.uk    Tel: 0208 227 2513 Generic E-mail: lado@lbbd.gov.uk

Please contact the LADO for advice and consultation if you are unsure whether to make a referral.

For more information and to access Barking and Dagenham’s Procedures for the management of allegations against those who work or volunteer with children, please visit the Barking and Dagenham Safeguarding Children Partnership website