Lambeth Safeguarding Children Partnership

Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers and Foster Carers: Make a referral

All allegations where risk of harm to a child made against staff (including volunteers and foster carers) in a position of trust with children whether made about an incident in their personal or work life, need to be referred to the Designated Officer, formerly known as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Please use the guidance below to make your referral.

An Allegations Referral Form must be filled in for every case where it is alleged that a person working with children has:

How to make a referral​​

  1. First phone the LADO on 020 7926 4679 to discuss your potential referral.

  2. Always email the LADO inbox to request a discussion should the call not be answered.

  3. Should it be agreed a formal allegations referral form is required, please click on the button below to download the Allegations Referral Form and complete all the sections of the referral.

  4. Email the completed form to, – [email protected] and the Integrated Referral Hub on [email protected]

  5. Phone 020 7926 4679 after approximately 10 minutes to speak with the LADO to ensure that it has been received in the LADO inbox.

Contact

Lambeth Designated Officer

Andrew Zachariades

Concerns about poor practice or management in a school or early years setting?

If you have a complaint or issue with poor safeguarding practice or management in a school or early years setting in Lambeth please email Deborah Carter, Education Senior Safeguarding Manager, or DL [email protected]

Support and Resources

Reporting Flowchart

Use this flowchart to understand the reporting process.

London-wide Procedures

Refer to the London Child Protection Procedures for more information about the management of allegations.

Whistle-blowing Helpline

The helpline provides support to employees wishing to raise concerns over how child protection issues are being handled in their own or other organisations.