Report a concern about a member of the workforce

If you’re concerned about the behaviour or a complaint or allegation about an adult working with children and young people, let us know.

Report immediate risk of significant harm

If a child or young person is in immediate danger from a member of the workforce, call the police on 999.

If a child you’re concerned about is at immediate risk of harm from a member of the workforce call our Children & Families Hub on 0345 603 7627 and ask for the priority line.

This number is open Monday to Thursday 8:45am to 5pm and Fridays 8:45am to 4:15pm.

For out-of-hours or bank holidays, contact our Emergency Duty Team:

Telephone: 0345 606 1212

Email: emergency.dutyteamoutofhours@essex.gov.uk

Immediate out-of-hours referrals

To raise a concern about a member of the workforce outside of office hours and you require an immediate social care referral contact our Emergency Duty Team:

Telephone: 0345 606 1212

Email: emergency.dutyteamoutofhours@essex.gov.uk

Advice and guidance

Local authority designated officers (LADOs) give advice and guidance on how concerns or allegations about adults working with children and young people should be investigated.

The LADO should be contacted if you have concerns or receive a complaint or allegation that a worker or volunteer has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child or young person
• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or young person
• behaved towards children or young people in a way indicating they may pose a risk of harm to them
• behaved or may have behaved in a way which indicates they may not be suitable to work with children or young people

We have 4 LADOs in our Children's Safeguarding Team who can be contacted on:

Telephone: 03330 139 797

Email: lado@essex.gov.uk

For more information about the role of LADOs visit the Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB) Essex local authority designated officer (LADO) service web page.

Report an allegation

You must make a written referral if you’re reporting an allegation about an adult working with children or young people. Do not include any password-protected or encrypted documents with your referral.

You will receive a response within 1 working day.

To report an allegation about a worker or volunteer download our ‘Essex LADO referral form’ from the ESCB Essex local authority designated officer (LADO) service web page.