Each LSCB member agency must identify a named senior officer who will usually be their representative on the LSCB and occupy a strategic role within their organisation. The named senior officer will:
- ensure the agency deals with allegations in accordance with these procedures
- resolve any inter-agency issues
- liaise with the LSCB
- meet with the Local Authority Designated Officer on a regular basis to discuss organisational response to allegations made against professionals, staff members, foster carers or volunteers
All agency procedures should also designate an operational senior manager – Designated Senior Manager (DSM) to whom allegations or concerns should be reported, together with a deputy to cover their absence or to cover a situation where they are the subject of the allegation. For example: In each educational establishment the named senior manager will be the Head Teacher or the Chair of Governors where the allegation relates to the Head Teacher. In Children’s Social Care the Senior Manager will be the Manager of the relevant team and their line manager where the allegation relates to the Team Manager.
Large organisations may have access or input from an agency advisor to assist in developing procedures, policies and practices relating to safeguarding children and young people e.g. in education services. This advisor can also be used to advise the named senior officer when an allegation is made against an adult.
Each authority has a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who is normally the manager of the authority’s Safeguarding Unit. The functions of the LADO are to:
- be involved in the management and oversight of individual cases;
- provide advice and guidance to employers and voluntary agencies;
- liaise with the Police, Social Care, CPS and other agencies as required;
- monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process;
- ensure that information on the management of allegations is collated and that relevant data on activity and outcome is made available on a quarterly basis;
- meet with Senior Named Officers on a quarterly basis to monitor organisational response to allegations made against professionals, staff members, foster carers or volunteers. This must include Police, Health, Education and the Senior Manager responsible for Looked after Children;
- identify themes/issues regarding the safety of children and ensure that these are communicated so that lessons can be learned;
- demonstrate clear leadership and develop sound governance, accountability and scrutiny processes across all agencies involved with the implementation of these procedures
The LADO must be informed of all allegations that come to the employer’s attention and appear to meet the criteria set out in Section 9.1, so that they can consult with the Police and Children’s Social Care colleagues as appropriate. The LADO should also be informed of any allegations that are made directly to the Police (which should be communicated via the Police Force’s operational senior manager).
The Detective Inspector in Strategic Public Protection will be the named senior officer and will:-
- have strategic oversight of the local Police arrangements for managing allegations against staff and volunteers;
- cases requiring criminal investigation will be conducted with the involvement of both the PPU and the Professional Standards Department.
- cases requiring disciplinary enquiries will be handled by the Professional Standards Department.
- cases will also be overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
- liaise with the LSCB on the issue;
- ensure compliance with these procedures.
The relevant Cheshire Constabulary Area Public Protection Unit Manager will:-
- liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer;
- take part in the strategy discussions/meetings;
- review the progress of cases where there is a Police investigation;
- share information as appropriate, on completion of an investigation or related prosecution;
Children’s Social Care will designate an operational senior manager to;
- liaise with the LADO.
- take part in strategy discussions/meetings.
- review the progress of cases where there is an investigation.
- share information as appropriate on completion of an investigation or related prosecution.
The relevant Human Resources Personnel should be a core part of the process and;
- liaise with the LADO.
- take part in strategy discussions/meetings.
- review the progress of cases where there is an investigation.
- share information as appropriate on completion of an investigation or related prosecution.
Ofsted should be informed of any allegations or concern made against:
- a member of staff in any early years establishment for children under 8.
- a registered childminder.
- a foster carer.
- a member of staff in a residential child care facility.
NB Ofsted should also be invited to take part in any related strategy discussions/ meetings.
