Bolton’s Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) only considers concerns raised about professionals working with children in Bolton.

If your concern is about an adult then you need to refer to Safeguarding adults at risk – Bolton Council

If the subject of the allegation/concern does not work in Bolton then you will need to refer to the LADO in that area.  Please click the local authority finder to determine which LA the person works in and then do an internet search for the relevant LADO.
 

Bolton LADO

Children and young people have the right to be safeguarded in the community and safely access services. 

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that children and young people can safely form relationships with adults who work with them in both a professional and volunteer capacity.  Therefore, if there is concern that someone who works with children and young people – in a position of trust – may have met the criteria below then the Managing Professional Allegations procedure must be followed.

Contact should be made with the LADO within one day if any of the below thresholds are met:

• 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 (Working Together 2023)

A referral will be accepted by the LADO if it meets the criteria set out above. Notifications will be subject to an initial evaluation and, where appropriate, involvement of other sectors, including the police, social care, employers and regulatory bodies. The initial evaluation will focus on the nature of the concern, safeguarding for the particular child, and appropriate consideration for the practitioner concerned. A Professional Strategy Meeting will be convened by LADO as appropriate.

Each agency will use their own procedures to investigate an allegation. The LADO will offer guidance around any safeguarding concerns.  Again, use the portal form to access this service.

LADO should be made aware of any allegations against members of staff who are paid, unpaid, permanent, volunteers, casual, agency, or self employed and work closely with children and young people.

The LADO is involved from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case. The LADO provides advice and guidance and will help determine whether the allegation sits within the scope of the Managing Professional Allegations procedures.  The LADO does not directly investigate allegations.  They will assist with information sharing and monitoring with the expectation that it is concluded as quickly as possible.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership, Department of Childrens Services, Bolton Council, Castle Hill Centre, Castleton Street, Bolton, BL2 2JW

Email: LADO@bolton.gov.uk

(Please note we cannot accept referrals/consultations via e-mail, only via the Portal)

If you are a member of the public who has a concern, please contact us by e-mail. The portal is for professional use only.

You can make a Consultation/ Referral to LADO by clicking the link below:

LADO Consultation/ Referral Portal

There are some resources below which you may find helpful and in the Quick Links above.