Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
The LADO provides management and oversight of individual cases of allegations of abuse made against those who work with children. .

Their role is to give advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations; liaise with the Police and other agencies, and monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process.   The LADO does not investigate allegations.

All allegations and concerns must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within the same working day.

LADO Referral Form.docx

Oldham has two LADOs:

Colette Morris

 Office: 0161 770 8870 Mobile: 07583 101 863

Email: colette.morris@oldham.gov.uk

Wendy Nicholls:

 Office: 0161 770 0008  Mobile: 07974 619094

Email: wendy.nicholls@oldham.gov.uk

Allegation Management Co-ordinator 

Catherine Leach 

Office: 0161 770 8081

Email: catherine.leach@oldham.gov.uk

Allegations against professionals
What is an allegation?

"A suspicion or concern that a trusted individual within an organisation or establishment has mistreated or abused a child, or may be about to do so”.

• Behaving in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
• Possibly committing a criminal offence against, or related to, a child
• Behaving towards a child or children in a way that indicates that they may pose a possible risk of harm to children
• Behaving or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

It is essential that any allegation of abuse made against a professional who works with children and young people or other member of staff or volunteer in any setting is dealt with fairly, quickly, and consistently, in a way that provides effective protection for the child or children and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation.

Further information about the allegations management process can be found at: GM policy allegations management

LADO Annual Report 23-24

LADO 2023-2024 Annual Report

Safer Working Practices
Guidance for Safer Working Practice May 2019.pdf

DBS referrals
Making a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service