Children can be at risk of abuse by those who work with them in any and every setting. All allegations of abuse or maltreatment of children by a professional, staff member, foster carer or volunteer must therefore be taken seriously and treated in accordance with consistent procedures.
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) sets out procedures for managing allegations against people who work with children (including adults working in the private, voluntary and independent sector). The procedures also manage concerns about adults where there is an indication they may pose a risk of harm to children.
The procedures are used in all cases in which it is alleged that an adult who works 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
– behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm
Employer’s procedures should identify a senior manager within their organisation to whom all allegations or concerns should be reported. Staff and volunteers should be made aware of who this person is, and who the designated alternative is, to contact in the absence of this person. If the allegation (or concern) meets any of the criteria above the employer should report it to the LADO within one working day.