Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – managing allegations of abuse made against somebody who works with children in Bexley
Bexley has a statutory duty to effectively manage allegations against people who work with children under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 and this is further highlighted in Working Together to Safeguard Children, the London Child Protection Procedures and the Department of Education guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) manages allegations against professionals and volunteers who are involved with children.
The LADO must be contacted without delay and within one working day in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:
- Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, 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 they may pose a risk of harm to children.
Contact details
The LADO in Bexley is:
Liston Williams
LADO and Safer Organisations Advisor
Bexley Council
Civic Offices
2 Watling Street
Bexleyheath
Kent DA6 7AT
Tel: 0203 045 3436 (LADO Team)
Tel: 0203 045 5645 (Business Support)
Tel: 0203 045 5440 (MASH)
Email: LADO@bexley.gov.uk
Email: childrens.triageteam@bexley.cjsm.net
If you are unable to contact the LADO Business Support or LADO directly, please call through to the MASH. The Social Worker on duty will be able to give you advice or will forward a message to the LADO. Alternatively, please email LADO@bexley.gov.uk and they will endeavour to get back to you the same day.
Please use the secure email (cjsm or Egress Switch) for sending referral forms (see below) or any other sensitive information to the LADO.
Referral form
The LADO referral form can be downloaded here:
Further information
The following leaflet has been produced to explain the process for making a referral to the LADO. It helps referrers to understand their responsibilities and what the potential outcome of a referral might be:
‘Managing allegations of abuse made against someone who works with children in Bexley’
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2108 – see pages 57-58 and 105
Also see the London Child Protection Procedures:
Part A7: Allegations against staff or volunteers, who work with children
And the Department for Education’s statutory guidance for schools and colleges (section 4 covers allegations of abuse made against teachers and other staff):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education
