Procedures relating to Allegations Management
The procedures relating to Allegations Management should be followed when it is alleged that a member of staff or volunteer 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.
To help young people understand what happens when they report an allegation (or someone reports an allegation on their behalf), the film below has been produced by the SSCP Youth Forum.
This short video may not be suitable for all young people as this will depend on a number of factors including their age, individual needs and preferred method of communication. As a parent, carer or professional you are best placed to assist the young person in understanding the process.
If you are not familiar with dealing with allegations against staff / volunteers, or for further detailed information on the processes to be followed, when one or more of the above criteria is met, please refer to the following guidance documents:
SCHOOLS: Part 4, ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (2020):
The revised statutory guidance for schools introduced (September 2020) a new fourth criteria which is;
- ‘Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children’
ALL OTHER ORGANISATIONS:
All organisations should have a designated senior manager (‘case manager’ in schools) who deals with allegations in conjunction with the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)
The LADO’s role is to provide advice and guidance to the designated senior manager/case manager when dealing with allegations against employees/volunteers. Depending on the nature of the allegation, the LADO will liaise with CSC and/or the police, before advising the organisation/school. It is also the remit of the LADO to monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible, consistent with a thorough and fair process.
Notifying the LADO of Concerns
On being advised of an allegation which meets the criteria, the designated senior manager/case manager should contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 1 working day.
Alternatively you can phone Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 and request an ARF.
Information to support those involved
The documents below have been produced with the aim of assisting the following parties:
- Employers
- Employees and volunteers
- Parents and carers
- Foster carers
These provide a summary of the process(es) and are intended to complement, not replace, your own organisation’s existing policies and procedures.