Allegations against Staff and Volunteers

It is vital that any concerns or allegations of abuse made about a professional working with children and/or adults, whether paid, unpaid, volunteers, casual, agency or anyone self-employed, is reported at the earliest opportunity. This will make sure that any allegation is dealt with fairly and quickly ensuring that the child or adult is protected effectively.

The procedures should be applied when there is an allegation or concerns that a person who works with children for adults with care and support needs, has:

• Behaved in a manner that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or adult
• Potentially committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or adult
• Behaved towards a child or adult in a manner which indicates that he/she may pose as a threat.

In addition, these procedures should be applied when there is an allegation that any person who works with children:

• Has behaved in a way in their personal life that raises safeguarding concerns. These concerns do not have to directly relate to a child but could, for example, include arrest for possession of a weapon;
• As a parent or carer, has become subject to child protection procedures;
• Is closely associated with someone in their personal lives (e.g. partner, member of the family or other household member) who may present a risk of harm to child/ren for whom the member of staff is responsible in their employment/volunteering.

Managing allegations involving children

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) gives advice and guidance to employers and others who are concerned about an adult who works with children including volunteers and agency staff.

The LADO has the responsibility to help safeguard children in accordance with the statutory guidance set out in Chapter 2: Organisational responsibilities of Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 https://www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk/chapters/chapter_two.html or alternatively, you are able to view all of the Working Together 2018 by clicking the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2

The LADO Service for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in now based alongside the other Children's Services in the Borough within Achieving for Children.  For all allegations against staff and volunteers, please contact the LADO on 07774 332675. Alternatively you can email LADO@achievingforchildren.org.uk

Please see the below attached documents which shows the LADO process and a Guide for staff and volunteers facing allegations

Managing allegations against staff and volunteers working with children

LADO Process May 2019 PPTX

Managing allegations involving adults with care and support needs

Allegation Management Framework and People in Positions of Trust (PiPoT)

The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities, their partners and those providing universal care and support services, to have clear policies for dealing with allegations against people in positions of trust i.e. anyone working in either a paid or unpaid capacity with adults with care and support needs.  If concerns are raised, the employer (or student body or voluntary organisation) must assess any potential risk to adults with care and support needs who use their services, and, if necessary, to take action to safeguard those adults.

The people in position of trusts (PIPOTS) may be people who are employed and work with or voluntarily undertake activity with adults or children (for example where an employee/worker/volunteer has been accused of the abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs.

Please see the Berkshire SABs Allegation Management Framework PDF

TVP Partners - Sexual Gain

The Thames Valley Police have produced a short film to talk about sexual gain which you can view here