Safer Recruitment
Safer Recruitment
The Lambeth Safeguarding Children Board implemented the requirements of the 2006 Working Together guidance around safer recruitment, and has strict standards which all statutory agencies, partner agencies, commissioned services and commissioned voluntary agencies are required to meet.
Managing Allegations against Staff: how to make a referral
The procedures for the management of allegations against members of staff are contained in the London Child Protection Procedures section 15.
All allegations made against staff (including volunteers) that call into question their suitability to work with or be in a position of trust with children, whether made about events in their private or professional life, need to be formally recorded on the Agency Reporting Form and sent to the LADO:
This referral form must be filled in and sent to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in Lambeth in every case where it is alleged that a person working with children has
1. behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child
2. possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
3. behaved towards a child/ren in a way that indicated s/he is unsuitable to work with children
Whilst it will not be necessary to convene a Strategy Meeting with Social Care and the Police on every case, every incident should be recorded on this form and reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer based in the Quality Assurance Section, Lambeth CYPS Social Care. All referrals should be discussed with the LADO on 0207 926 8508 (fax 0207 926 5105) and follow up on a referral form.
See the Flow Chart for an over view of the process
Management Structures and Roles:
Every agency must have a designated Named Senior Officer and a Senior Manager who have received appropriate training or briefing in action to be taken when an allegation is made against a member of staff.
Details of these roles are contained in Appendix 1
Strategic Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Every Local Safeguarding Children Board must have a strategic lead for safer recruitment who is called the Local Authority Designated Officer. In Lambeth this is Andrew Wyatt, Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Quality Assurance. The LADO leads the implementation of safer recruitment standards across the partnership and chairs the Safer Recruitment Sub-committee. Please note that this is not a number for making referrals. If you need to make a referral ring: 0207 926 8508.
However if you need to speak to the LSCB strategic lead for safer recruitment about strategic or developmental issues please contact Andrew Wyatt on the number below.
Tel. 0207 92 64526
Email: awyatt@lambeth.gov.uk
Safer Recruitment:
LSCB has introduced strict vetting procedures for anyone who is employed to work either as a volunteer or paid member of staff with children. Each agency that delivers services in Lambeth to children in required to be compliant with these standards.
These documents set out the requirements around the recruitment of staff:
Guidance on Safer Recruitment and Safe Working Practices
Training and Support:
If you require further advice at a strategic level on safer recruitment requirements for your agency please contact Andrew Wyatt, Local Authority Designated Officer (details above).
If you require training you may also access an LSCB safer recruitment briefing by contacting Roddie Leith, HR Strategy & Policy Officer, Strategic Human Resources.
Tel. 0207-926-9193
Email: rleith@lambeth.gov.uk
