Safer Recruitment and LADO
Safe recruitment
All organisations engaging people in ‘Regulated Activities’ must have robust and transparent recruitment procedures in place to ensure children, young people and vulnerable adults are safeguarded and they should be familiar with the Local Safeguarding Children Board policies and procedures.
The Havering LSCB requires all people in ‘regulated Activities’ to have a DBS check every three years.
Before recruiting staff (whether paid or unpaid), the following should be considered:
- the application process should include the organisations commitment to safeguarding in for example the job description and any other documentation
- thorough checks should be made of an applicant’s identity, work history and references including any gaps in time
- proof of qualifications should be obtained
- checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service should be undertaken
- a probationary period and supervision of the person should take place
- references should be obtained and verified
- this is not an exhaustive list but a framework for sound recruitment practice
Disclosure and barring checks for safeguarding
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks.
A DBS check maybe needed for:
- certain jobs or voluntary work, eg working with children or in healthcare
- applying to adopt or foster a child
More information
Local authority designated officer (LADO)
Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility. All staff members have a responsibility to report a concern if they believe a member of staff has behaved inappropriately towards a child.
All concerns should be escalated to senior management and/or the LADO.
The role of the LADO
Allegations against professionals or volunteers working with children are managed through the LADO.
The role of the LADO is to manage cases when it has been alleged that a professional 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 s/he is unsuitable to work with children
The LADO is available to discuss any concerns and to assist with what action needs to be taken to protect a child. The LADO is also available to provide advice and guidance to senior managers on the progress of cases.
The LADO liaises with organisations such as the Police, Ofsted and Social Care to ensure a thorough and fair process for all those involved.
Completing the LADO referral form
Section one must be completed and submitted immediately to the LADO if it is alleged that a person who works with children has:
- Behaved in a way that has harmed, 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
LADO_referral_and_monitoring_form_Template
Contact details
Havering Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Telephone: 01708 431653
Email: lado@havering.gov.uk