Local Safeguarding Partnerships

Working Together

Under the Children Act 2004, as amended by the Children and Social Work Act 2017, LSCBs, set up by local authorities, were replaced. Under the new legislation, the three safeguarding partners (local authorities, chief officers of police, and clinical commissioning groups)  make arrangements to work together with relevant agencies to safeguard and protect the welfare of children in the area.

The child death review partners (local authorities and clinical commissioning
groups) must set up child death review arrangements. From 29 June 2018, the Child
Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (“the Panel”) may commission and publish national reviews of serious child safeguarding cases which they consider are complex or of national importance.

From 29 June 2018, local authorities are required, under a new statutory duty, to notify the Panel of incidents where they know or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected and the child has died or been seriously harmed. Further information about working together is available in the Statutory Guidance 2018

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

In order to manage allegations against child care professionals, every Local Authority appoints a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Where someone has concerns relating to anyone who holds a position of trust or responsibility for children or young people, these can be discussed with and reported to them.

The role of the LADO and the allegations management process

The LADO should be alerted to all cases  alleging that 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 children, or related to a child, or
  • behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk to children. (Working Together 2018)
  • Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

The LADO ensures that all allegations or concerns about professionals or adults working or  volunteering with children are recorded appropriately, monitored and progressed in a timely and confidential way.

The LADO is involved from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case. The LADO provides advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations, liaising with the police and other agencies to ensure that they are dealt with a thorough and fair process.