Overview
In an emergency, or if you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, you should call the police using 999.
You should also contact our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for concerns involving children:
- first response team: 01202 123 334 or childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
- out of hours team: 01202 738 256
A Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) can get involved when allegations are made against any professional or volunteer working with children from 0 to 18 years old, who is alleged to have:
- 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 in a manner in their private lives that might indicate any of the above conditions
This applies to all adults within a position of trust, including:
- paid staff
- unpaid staff
- volunteers
- casual staff
- agency staff
- anyone working in a self-employed capacity
If you have witness or become aware of an incident or allegation that meets the above, you must report it to the LADO within one working day of the incident. You can contact them by:
- phone on 01202 817 600
- email on LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
You can use the LADO referral form to complete a full referral or to contact us for advice.
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About transferable risk
Transferable risk is where a childcare professional behaves a certain way in their private life, that would make further work with children inappropriate. Over half of cases investigated between 2019 and 2021 were referred because of this type of behaviour.
When the police are involved in a situation that requires intervention, they will contact the LADO service directly, sharing the information by way of a Public Protection Notice (PPN).
Examples of these concerns are:
- criminal misuse of substances or alcohol
- criminal acts of dishonesty
- violence against a person
- sexual assaults
- internet crime
About the records we keep and ask for
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service keeps records for all cases where an allegation is made or advice is given. These records are reviewed before being destroyed. They help track possible offenders and protect colleagues who are wrongly accused.
In Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, the LADO service emails the referrer to create an audit trail. Written referrals are needed only when agreed by both the LADO and referrer. Clear written referrals help prevent mistakes during investigations.