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Guidance and procedures if a person's behaviour at work, home or online, causes concerns about their suitability to work or volunteer with children or young people.

There is a statutory requirement for local authorities to undertake enquiries when an allegation is received.

An appointed local designated officer will undertake those enquiries in Derbyshire. The Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership has information and procedures about allegations against professionals and the role of a local authority designated officer (LADO).

We would like to remind you that if you have a concern around a professional and around an allegation, please ensure you have read the procedures, and have checked the criteria, and that you are confident that the criteria are met prior to making a referral.

The criteria for reaching a threshold is on the front of the referral form.

You should make a referral to the LADO if there is reasonable cause to believe that a person who works with or has responsibility for children in connection with his or her employment or voluntary activity, has:

  • behaved in a way that has 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 email address to return the form to is found on the form for both Derby City and Derbyshire.

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