Allegations against people who work with children
An allegation may relate to a person who works with children who 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 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
The Council of the Isles of Scilly takes safeguarding seriously and commissions a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) from Cornwall Council.
The LADO will:
- provide advice and guidance on whether the LADO threshold is met. This is to manage individual allegations of harm and abuse made against staff or volunteers who work with children.
- oversee and coordinate multi agency involvement. This is to ensure relevant information sharing. Providing a timely, fair and reasonable outcome for the child and person against whom an allegation is made
- identify practical steps that can be taken to improve organisational safeguarding. This is to minimise the risk of further incidences of abuse
- provide reports to Our Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This is to ensure the effectiveness of local safeguarding arrangements.
The LADO should also be informed within one working day of all allegations that:
- come to an employer’s attention
- are made directly to the police
The LADO may be contacted by email: lado@cornwall.gov.uk or online referral form: Professional Allegation Referral Guidance and form
Further information and guides are available on the Cornwall Council website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/childrens-services/child-protection-and-safeguarding/allegations-against-people-who-work-with-children/