Managing Allegations Against People who work with Children

How to make a referral to the Designated Officer (allegations involving employees working with children)

All allegations need to be referred to the Designated Officer (DO) (formerly known as Local Authority Designated Officer - LADO) within 24 hours where it is alleged that a person working with children has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed, 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;
• behaved in a way or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be
  suitable to work with children.

It is essential that any allegation of abuse made against a person who works with children, including those who work in a voluntary capacity, are dealt with fairly, quickly and consistently, in a way which provides effective protection for the child and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation.

All referrals should reported and discussed with the Designated Officer within 24 hours. The Designated Officer is contactable by telephone on: 01325 405319 or by e-mail: designatedofficer@darlington.gov.uk.

Procedure for Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers working with Children [PDF document]

The procedures have been developed as a response to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 [External Link] which set out the statutory guidance and the responsibility placed on all employers and other organisations who provide services to children to take steps when allegations of abuse or other inappropriate behaviour towards a child are made against someone in that organisation.