Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - Initial Allegation Management Meeting

The information below relates to Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Initial Allegation Management Meetings.

For more information on the role of the LADO and how to make a referral, please visit the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Children Partnership website.

Introduction to the Initial Allegation Management Meeting

This meeting is being held under Government guidance set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and Peterborough’s Children Safeguarding Board Procedures. These procedures are for managing allegations against adults who work or volunteer with children are to be used 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.

During consideration of the allegation, it is important to consider whether:

• A police investigation is needed in regards to a possible criminal offence;
• Enquiries and assessment by Children's Social Care about whether a child is in need of protection or in need of services are required; and
• Consideration by the employer of whether disciplinary action in respect of the individual is needed.

Confidentiality Statement

In relation to confidentiality, every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity while an allegation is investigated/considered.

In order to reach fair and proportionate decisions about the allegations under discussion, it is essential that there is an open and full exchange of information and views from all professionals within the meeting. That being so, this meeting requires agreement from all participants that the following boundaries of confidentiality will be respected in the dual interests of safeguarding children and also of being fair to the alleged perpetrator:

• Any information exchanged within the meeting, whether verbally or in writing, will remain confidential to those present, unless exceptions to this are explicitly agreed by the Chair.
• Under no circumstances will the notes of the meeting be shared with the alleged perpetrator under discussion.
• The notes of the meeting will not be photocopied, will not be used in disciplinary or other proceedings against the employee, nor will they be submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In such circumstances where this is required, the Chair will provide a summary on request.
• The notes of the meeting will be kept in a confidential section of the employer’s files.

Agenda of the Allegation Management Meeting

1. Introductions and purpose of the Allegation Management Meeting

This meeting is being held due to a LADO referral having been received from ….

and the allegations made in this referral need to be discussed openly to ensure that they are investigated appropriately, within a safe and proportionate way. Children are safeguarded with immediate effect and also ongoing whilst any investigation is being carried out.

The allegation will be fully discussed, with background information shared about both the alleged perpetrator and the child / children involved.

Then a formal plan of action will be complied to look at how this allegation will be progressed.

2. Procedural statement

3. Confidentiality statement

Read out and get participants' agreement to this.

4. Information about the allegation

• Information about the allegation
• Where did the allegation originate
• Nature of allegation
• Date / time / location
• Details of witnesses
• What immediate action has been taken to ensure the safety and well being of the child/children, and also alleged perpetrator

5. Background information about the young person

Background information about the young person including whether he/she has made previous allegations.

Discuss and confirm child’s name / date of birth / address / gender / ethnicity / specific needs

What safeguarding and support will be available for the child / children during the enquiries.

6. Background information about the adult

Background information about the adult, length of time working in organisation, including whether or not there have been previous allegations or concerns.

Need to discuss and confirm:

• Name / date of birth / address / gender / ethnicity
• Also do they have any specific needs
• Date of last DBS and outcome of this
• Their family details - do they have their own children - are there any risks to these children?
• Any significant employment history
• And also any other work or voluntary work they may do with children

7. Information sharing

Consider information sharing with

• The adult
• The child and his / her family
• The wider community
• Consider “Need To Know” procedure

Consider any media attention and who will deal with this.

8. Recommendations and nature of further actions

• Criminal investigation- does this meet police threshold?
• Is threshold met for a Section 47 Enquiry?
• Does a internal investigation within the organisation need to be completed?

9. Timescales for actions / monitoring / Review Allegation Management Meeting

End of agenda.

Definitions of Allegations Outcomes as of September 2018 (revised in line with keeping children safe)

• Substantiated - there is sufficient evidence to provide the allegation
• Unsubstantiated - there is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation - the term therefore does not imply guilt or innocence
• Malicious - there is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation and there has been a deliberate act to deceive
• False - there is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation
• Unfounded - to reflect cases where there is no evidence or proper basis which supports the allegation being made

Helpful guidance in attending Allegation Management Meetings

Information sharing

When attending an Allegation Management Meeting, it is important that information is readily available to agency representatives. This checklist will assist you to provide what is needed.

Information about the allegation / concern

• Any letters
• Accounts of discussion / written records / disclosure
• Chronology of events where appropriate
• Identification and details of any witnesses

Information about the child/ren

• Child’s details – date of birth / address
• Family details
• School file / pupil record (attainment / SEN)
• Background information / history (including if there have been any previous allegations)

Information about the adult

• HR file including any previous disciplinary or capability information
• Career profile
• Any previous concerns / incidents
• Family situation – partner / children
• Involvement with other agencies
• Contact with children outside of work, e.g. coaching