Report a concern about a member of the workforce

Guidance, support and advice for concerns about an adult working with children and young people.

Reporting an allegation

Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) work in the Children's Workforce Allegations Team and manage the process for allegations against persons working or volunteering with children and young people. 

Further information about the role of the LADO is available on the ESCB website. 

The LADO should be contacted if you receive an 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

Any referral relating to a person working with children should be made in writing by emailing lado@essex.gov.uk. The referrer will receive a referral form for completion with instructions on how to submit it.  

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: eds@essex.gov.uk