If your organisation receives an allegation of abuse against an adult working for your organisation, either in a paid or unpaid capacity, you have a responsibility to report this.
What is a Local Authority Designated Officer?
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 a person (aged 16 plus) who works with children may have caused them or could cause them harm.
The LADO works within children’s services and gives advice and guidance to employers, organisations and other individuals who have concerns about the behaviour of a person 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.
Full details about the role of the LADO and what should be referred is available on the Devon County Council website, or check out the video below.
How do I report an allegation?
If you are concerned you should contact the LADO who will provide advice and guidance. The LADO is responsible for co-ordinating a response to concerns about adults who work with children.
If you need to contact Devon’s LADO, please consider all guidance first. If you believe the concern meets the remit of the LADO service, please complete the LADO contact form or telephone 01392 384964 or email ladosecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk for a notification form.
For further details on the process for reporting allegations please see South West Child Protection Procedures.
LADO Annual Reports
- Local Authority Designated Officer Annual Report 2023-24
- Local Authority Designated Officer Annual Report 2020-21
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