Managing professional allegations

Children and young people have the right to be safeguarded in the community and safely access services. 

Children and young people should be able to trust the adults that they come into contact with in their wider community.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that children and young people can safely form relationships with adults who work with them in both a professional and volunteer capacity.  Therefore, if there is concern that someone who works with children and young people – in a position of trust – may have met the criteria below then the Managing Professional Allegations procedure must be followed. Contact should be made with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one day.

  • 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
  • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk to children
  • Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may be unsuitable to work with children (Working Together 2018)

You can make a referral to the LADO by completing the form provided below:

LADO Referral Form

You may want to discuss the presenting situation.  If so, please find below LADO contact details:

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership, Department of Childrens Services, Bolton Council, Castle Hill Centre, Castleton Street, Bolton, BL2 2JW

Email: LADO@bolton.gov.uk

Phone: 01204 337474

Do you have a pressing safeguarding concern for a child or young person?

LADO should be made aware of any allegations against members of staff who are paid, unpaid, permanent, volunteers, casual, agency, or self employed and work closely with children and young people.

The LADO is involved from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case. The LADO provides advice and guidance and will help determine whether the allegation sits within the scope of the Managing Professional Allegations procedures.  The LADO will also assist with information sharing along with monitoring any investigation with the expectation that it is concluded as quickly as possible.

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