Staff Allegation Handling
Expert guidance on managing allegations against school staff. Navigate complex procedures, LADO referrals, and investigations with confidence and compliance.
Key Principles for Staff Allegations
Essential principles that must guide every allegation investigation
Child Protection Priority
The welfare and safety of children must always be the paramount consideration in any allegation investigation.
Fair & Thorough Process
Ensure a fair, thorough investigation that protects both children and staff members from false or malicious allegations.
Timely Resolution
Resolve allegations quickly and efficiently to minimize impact on all parties while maintaining thoroughness.
Confidentiality
Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.
Detailed Records
Maintain comprehensive, accurate records of all actions taken and decisions made throughout the process.
Support for All
Provide appropriate support for children, families, and staff members throughout the investigation process.
Staff Allegation Procedures
Step-by-step guidance for managing allegations against staff
🚨 Initial Response (First 24 Hours)
Immediate Actions:
Ensure Child Safety
Take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the child or children involved.
Inform Headteacher
Immediately inform the headteacher (or chair of governors if allegation is against headteacher).
Contact LADO
Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer within one working day.
Key Considerations:
- Do not investigate before consulting LADO
- Preserve all evidence and documentation
- Consider suspension if risk to children
- Maintain strict confidentiality
📞 LADO Consultation & Strategy
LADO Role:
- Coordinate multi-agency response
- Advise on investigation approach
- Monitor progress and outcomes
- Ensure appropriate referrals
Strategy Meeting Outcomes:
Possible Decisions:
- • No further action required
- • Police investigation needed
- • Disciplinary investigation only
- • Combined police and disciplinary investigation
- • Referral to regulatory body (e.g., TRA)
🔍 Investigation Management
Key Responsibilities:
School's Role:
- • Conduct disciplinary investigation
- • Gather relevant evidence
- • Interview witnesses
- • Maintain detailed records
- • Provide regular updates to LADO
Police Role (if applicable):
- • Criminal investigation
- • Evidence collection
- • Witness interviews
- • Charging decisions
Timeline Considerations:
Initial Assessment
Within 1 working day of allegation
Strategy Meeting
Within 2 working days if complex
Investigation
Aim to complete within 3 months
Streamlined Allegation Management
Automated workflows and expert guidance for complex staff allegation cases
🚨 Immediate Response Protocols
Automated workflows ensure all critical steps are followed immediately when an allegation is received.
📋 LADO Communication
Streamlined LADO referral process with automated documentation and progress tracking.
🔒 Secure Case Management
Highly secure, confidential case management with restricted access and comprehensive audit trails.
Expert Allegation Support
Handle Staff Allegations with Confidence
Navigate complex allegation procedures with expert guidance and automated workflows that ensure compliance and protect all parties.