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, voluntary, 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 the child or adult is protected effectively.

Managing allegations involving children

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) advises and guides employers and others concerned about an adult working 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 4, (“Organisational responsibilities”) of the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 guidance.

The LADO service for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is based alongside the other children's services in the borough, within Achieving for Children.

Quick guide to making a local authority designated officer (LADO) referral

If an allegation or concern is raised about an adult working or volunteering with children, this should be brought to the attention of the organisation’s designated manager for allegations. The concerns indicate the adult has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, 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
• behaved in a manner that discriminates against a child on the basis of one or more of their protected characteristics

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 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 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 children for whom the member of staff is responsible in their employment/volunteering.

The designated manager for allegations can immediately submit the referral form.

Please note that this is a new form launched on 20 July 2026. You should update any previously bookmarked links to use the new form linked above. Note that if you haven’t used this platform before, you will first need to register for it. There is an email verification process and you will need to have access to an internet connection to complete this. Follow this registration guide if you need additional guidance.

If needed, the designated manager can also call the LADO service on 07774 332675 or email LADO@achievingforchildren.org.uk for a consultation before submitting a referral form.

The documents and websites below provide further information about the LADO and referrals:

If needed, the designated manager can also call the LADO service on 07774 332675 or email LADO@achievingforchildren.org.uk for a consultation before submitting a referral form.

The documents and websites below provide further information about the LADO and referrals.

Achieving for Children Allegation management procedures for staff and volunteers working with children

Quick guide to making a LADO referral

LADO Flowchart

Achieving for Children LADO service page

Managing allegations involving adults

See our Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers adults’ page here

Sexual Gain