Statutory Guidance (Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2026) states local authorities should have a Designated Officer (LADO) to be involved in the management and oversight of allegations made about people who work/volunteer with children when the person has allegedly:
- behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
- possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
- behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children
- behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children
The above criteria relate to the person’s behaviour in their workplace, the community and their home or social life.
Professionals
Allegations meeting the above criteria should be referred to the LADO in the area where the person works/volunteers within one working day (Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2026).
If the person works/volunteers with children in Stockport and the above criteria are met, you should make a referral to, or request a consultation with, the LADO by submitting a LADO consultation/referral form online using our secure portal.
All new consultations and referrals with the LADO will be via our secure online portal. This is the only way to contact the LADO about new allegations and concerns.
If your concern does not meet the above criteria, you should use your organisation’s safeguarding and complaints procedures to address the concerns.
If you're concerned a child is at risk of harm, you should follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures and consider the need to contact the MASSH and/or the police.
You can find useful information about managing allegations in:
- a short guide about the LADO’s role (PDF 87Kb)
- Managing Allegations of Abuse Made Against Adults Who Work with Children and Young People
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)
Members of the public
If you're concerned that someone who works or volunteers with children has behaved in the way set out above, please report your concerns to the person’s employer/voluntary organisation. They will then contact the LADO as per statutory guidance.
If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999.
If a crime has been committed involving a child but they are not at risk of immediate harm, call the police on 101 or report it using their online form.
If you have concerns about a child's welfare, contact the MASSH.