Allegations about adults who work with children - the LADO

This page is for professionals. If you are a member of the public or a parent, visit Report a concern about a child or a teenager.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) oversees allegations about adults who work or volunteer with children. We offer advice to employers and agencies when an allegation has been made about a person, whether at work or in their private life.

Refer directly to the Single Point of Advice (SPoA)

when a child is at risk of, or has suffered, significant harm and an adult who is working or volunteering 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
  • behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to children, or
  • behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

For other concerns about conduct, you can make a referral to the LADO.