but may need referral to:
- social care as ‘child in need’,
- police if the allegation was deliberately invented.
If an allegation made by a child does prove to be demonstrably false no further action will be taken under these procedures, but the designated senior manager should refer the matter to social care to determine whether the child is in need of services or might have been abused by someone else.
If it is established that the allegation has been deliberately invented or is malicious, the LADO should ask the police to consider what action may be appropriate.
The designated senior manager will need to consider what support should be offered to the member of staff concerned. Depending on circumstances this may necessitate supporting a return to work and agreeing how contact between the child about whom the allegation was made and the member of staff will be managed.
Where applicable, the designated senior manager should liaise with their Named Senior Officer and any other colleagues, such as Human Resources personnel, as necessary and in accordance with your service/agency’s protocols, procedures and structures for managing allegations.
If no further action is appropriate in relation to the allegation i.e the case is concluded, the employer should ensure that this is recorded and kept on the accused person’s confidential personnel file. A copy should be given to the person concerned.
