Report a child at risk

It's our collective responsibility to safeguard children in Southwark. 

If you worry about an adult working with children you should report them right away. 

This includes volunteers, agency staff and foster carers and people in a position of authority who have regular contact with children, like religious leaders or school governors.

The local authority designated officer (LADO) in Southwark gives advice and guidance to everyone with a concern.

When to contact the LADO

Contact the LADO if an individual working with children:

• has caused harm to a child or might have harmed a child
• might have committed a criminal act against a child
• has shown behaviour that suggests they're a potential risk to children
• has shown they’re unsuitable to work with children

If you're unsure about an allegation's severity, ask the LADO. 

How the LADO will help

The LADO will advise on whether and when to tell an adult they’re being investigated.

They also assist by:

• advising on the next steps for investigation
• coordinating with police and other agencies
• organising strategy meetings for complex cases
• monitoring progress to ensure quick, fair resolutions
• starting child protection procedures if there's a risk of significant harm
• advising on whether the adult should continue working during the investigation
• guiding on sharing information with parents and other parties

The LADO will also help to decide the professional's future in child-related work. 

This includes referring them to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and, or other professional bodies as needed.

What happens next

Outcomes from a LADO referral can include:

• dismissal of false or unfounded allegations
• confirmation of proven allegations
• employer's internal investigation
• police investigation and possible prosecution
• recommendations for support, monitoring or additional training
• report dismissals to the DBS and decide if the adult is barred from future work with children

They will make sure a thorough investigation is carried out even if the accused resigns or reaches a compromise agreement.

Advice before referring

For advice or to report a concern, call:

• 020 7525 3297

• or 020 7525 0689

If you're a professional you can also ask your organisation's safeguarding lead for advice on how to proceed.

Make a referral

Download the LADO referral form (DOCX, 30KB)

Complete and email this to qau.safeguarding@southwark.gov.uk.