Issue - meetings

Report CEF22017

The report provided an overview of the activity of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for the period April 2021-January 2022 in managing allegations against people who work or volunteer with children and were therefore in a position of trust. 

In response to a question, the Head of Quality Improvement confirmed that the increase in the number of referrals was one of the impacts of the Covid pandemic.  There had also been an increase in referrals resulting in a finding of failure to follow due process and it was felt that this was also attributable to the stress and mental health pressures arising from the pandemic.  The LADO had grown the training offer and it was hoped that this would address some of the issues that had been identified.

The Committee noted that in September 2021, there had been a change in legislation with schools now required to manage lower level concerns themselves.  However, the LADO service had found that schools continued to make referrals which had led to the LADO being required to determine thresholds.  Consequently, the LADO was now working with schools around this particular challenge.

In response to a question, the Head of Quality Improvement confirmed that there were regional and national challenges in terms of engagement with the unregulated sector.  In order to address this the LADO was aiming to establish twilight sessions for charities and voluntary organisations.  Members noted that well attended sessions had been run for the Early Years sector and the LADO worked closely with the Safeguarding Partnership.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.