This guidance is for anyone working in the sport and physical activity sector. It will explain how and why you need to report safeguarding allegations to LADOs, and what to expect when doing so.
What is a LADO?
A LADO is a Local Authority Designated Officer. Each local authority must have a LADO as set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
What is the role of a LADO?
The LADO is responsible for managing allegations against a person who:
- has caused harm to a child or young person
- may pose a risk of harm to a child or young person
- has committed a criminal offence against a child or young person
- has behaved in a way that raises concerns about their suitability to work with children
People who work with children could be paid, unpaid, volunteers, casual, agency or anyone self employed. The LADO makes sure any allegations are managed fairly and thoroughly.
When would you contact a LADO?
If you are the safeguarding lead of an unaffiliated club or activity provider, you need to report any allegations within 24 hours (including repeated lower-level concerns about the same person).
How to contact your LADO
Contact details for LADOs are available on all local authority websites. Direct emails and phone numbers are usually provided.
What to do if you have a concern
- If you’re worried a child is in immediate danger or risk of harm, call the police on 999 at once, do not wait!
- Make sure the concern is recorded and reported, and follows your organisations safeguarding procedures. If you are part of an affiliated club, your NGB safeguard lead should report this to the LADO within 24 hours.
- If you’re the safeguarding lead of an unaffiliated club or activity provider, you need to report the concern directly to the LADO (within 24 hours).
- Call the LADO if you’re unsure whether you need to report a concern, they would rather hear from you than not be aware of a potential situation. This includes serious safeguarding concerns (such as causing harm to a child) and repeated lower-level concerns about the same person (such as a breaches of codes of conduct).
- You can contact the NSPCC Helpline for further information and advice.
What do LADOs do?
The LADO manages concerns, from lower-level concerns to serious safeguarding concerns, this involves working with police, children's social care, employers, statutory services and other professionals. LADOs also do the following:
- advise on safeguarding procedures
- help organisations with managing concerns
- make sure that safeguarding and employment law procedures are followed
- take appropriate actions when concerns arise
- address concerns without prejudge
- treat all the individuals involved with fairness
What the LADO doesn’t do
- Investigate concerns directly - they oversee the process but do not conduct investigations themselves. This is carried out by employers, National Governing Body (NGB), police, statutory services, or other relevant agencies such as Ofsted.
- Accept direct referrals from parents and carers.
- Make decisions on the outcomes of an concern in isolation. They collaborate with others (such as employers, police and social services) to ensure that decisions are made fairly.