Home Adult social care Abuse (LADO) - adults
There may be times when you're concerned about a professional working with adults who have care and support needs. This is known as a person in a position of trust (PIPOT).
The Care Act 2014 statutory guidance requires safeguarding adults boards to have a process for dealing with allegations against anyone who works (either paid or unpaid) with adults who have care and support needs.
Our framework for addressing these concerns is known as the 'adult LADO policy'.
The local authority designated officer (LADO) is an established position in children's social care. The LADO deals with concerns about those in a position of trust who are working with children. We have created an adult LADO to deal with concerns about individuals working with adults.
The adult LADO policy sets out how we manage cases where allegations have been made against a PIPOT. It focusses on managing risk based on an assessment of abuse or harm against an adult with care and support needs. The policy ensures that appropriate action is taken to manage allegations, whether they are made in connection with the PIPOT's employment, private life, or in any other capacity.
This guidance applies to the council, all partner agencies, and those providing care and support services.
Read the full adult LADO policy (PDF).
The LADO process should be used where there are concerns that a staff member's behaviour in their job or personal life might suggest that they're not suitable to work with adults.
They may have:
LADO referrals must be made using the adult LADO referral form (DOCX) and sent to adultaccessteam@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Where LADO procedures are followed, a LADO panel will be held. This is a multi-agency meeting which will include the PIPOT's employer, and may also include representatives from the police, HR, and the CQC.
If the panel decides the allegation is unfounded: there will be no social care or police investigation.
If the panel decides the allegation is founded: there may be disciplinary proceedings, a report to DBS and the professional regulator (for example, Social Work England), or potential criminal proceedings.