Teachers Defence Service
LADO Investigations of a TeacherLocal Area Designated Officer (LADO) Procedures and Challenges
Legal Advice about LADO Law
About Us
Teachers Defence Service represents teachers in matters concerning LADO (Local Area Designated Officer) investigations and challenges.
England
Each local authority has a LADO officer. They take evidence from a number of sources and a multidisciplinary team sitting with the LADO officer (including social services, the police, schools) will determine whether the allegation is made out, on the balance of probabilities.
Schools and other employers can take action on the back of findings, as can the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Some matters will be referred to the teaching regulators.
LADO will become involved when someone who works with children allegedly:
- behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may be unsuitable to work with children
- behaves in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or children
- possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child
- allegedly behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children
LADO will come to a conclusion on the balance of probabilities. A conclusion can then be disseminated to others to enable supervision or disciplinary or other action to take place.
LADO’s decisions can potentially be reviewed but it is complicated and in our experience LADO can be resistant to doing so. Matters of procedural fairness, disproportionate responses, may be challenged by way of complaints processes, judicial review, or complaints to the ombudsman.
Our Services
We can provide advice and guidance, or advocacy services (including representation at hearings), if instructed in matters relating to LADO investigations and decisions. Our fees are competitive. Give us a call on 020 3012 0402 without obligation and in strict confidence to see how we can assist you. Or, use our Contact Form.
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Our Other Services
We also represent teachers in disciplinary hearings, criminal prosecutions, DBS matters, barring challenges, appeals, civil and employment law. Read More
External Links
TRA
VISIT THE TEACHING REGULATION AGENCY (England) WEBSITE