Despite all efforts to recruit safely there will be occasions when allegations of abuse by staff or volunteers against children or adults with care and support needs are made. In these circumstances organisations must have a clear policy for dealing with the allegation and report it to the local authority.
More information is available in the sections below.
All organisations which have employees or volunteers working with children should have clear and accessible policies and procedures, which explain what should happen when allegations are made about the behaviour of a member of staff or volunteer.
Referrals to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) should be made where there are concerns that someone who works (in a paid or unpaid capacity) with children may have:
- behaved in a way which 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 that he or she would pose a risk of harm if they worked regularly or closely with children.
- behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.
This includes allegations where it might indicate that the person is unsuitable to continue to work with children in their current position and the allegations may relate to the person’s behaviour at work, at home or in another setting.
The designated officer should be informed within one working day of all allegations that come to an employer’s attention or that are made directly to the police. These referrals should be made on the LADO Referral Form or call 01344 351572 for an initial discussion.
The pan-Berkshire Multi-agency Safeguarding Procedures provide detailed guidance.
The Care Act 2014 requires a clear policy for dealing with allegations against people in positions of trust (PiPoT) working in either a paid or unpaid capacity with adults with care and support needs.
The Berkshire Allegations Management Framework sets out the standards for clear reporting requirements which must be applied by an organisation where a concern is identified. The Framework is based on the following principles:
- All allegations against a person in a position of trust (regarding an adult or a child) must be reported to the local authority safeguarding lead or Director of Adult Social Care (DASS).
- It reflects a proportionate, fair and transparent approach.
- It applies to anyone working in a position of trust such as employees, volunteers or students, in a paid or unpaid capacity regardless of the sector.
- It deals with current as well as non‐recent allegations.
- The sharing of information will be justifiable and proportionate, based on an assessment of the potential or actual harm to adults or children at risk.
- Internal organisational processes should be followed and internal safeguarding leads notified when making the referral to the LA.
To report any PiPoT allegations phone Adult Social Care on 01344 351500.