These procedures are adopted by Regional Safeguarding Boards in Wales in response to allegations against practitioners and persons in positions of trust, that raise safeguarding concerns in relation to children or adults at risk.
These procedures describe how safeguarding allegations against practitioners and persons in positions of trust should be managed across Wales. They apply in relation to any individual—paid, unpaid, employed, or self-employed—whose role brings them into contact with children or adults at risk, either directly or indirectly. It also includes individuals who have caring responsibilities for children or adults in need of care and support, and their employment or voluntary work brings them into contact with children or adults at risk. This includes Local Authority staff, employees of partner agencies that provide care and support services and other organisations/charities providing services to children or to adults at risk.
Though these procedures are not legislation or statutory guidance, the Regional Safeguarding Boards in Wales consider that they represent best practice. Nevertheless, those using these Procedures should also be aware of their wider legal obligations and should also consider organisational policies and procedures on matters such as health and safety, employer disciplinary procedures, and data protection. All actions taken under these Procedures, including data sharing, must be a proportionate response to the risk raised in the allegation or allegations that are being considered.
These procedures are aligned to:
It is good practice for every Local Authority to designate a senior officer responsible for the management, monitoring and oversight of allegations. This role is known as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The LADO would normally be a registered social worker and must have the necessary skills, knowledge and extensive experience in safeguarding. Certain operational responsibilities may be delegated to a Designated Officer for Safeguarding (DOS). The DOS would normally be a registered social worker and must have the necessary skills, knowledge and extensive experience in safeguarding. The DOS can fulfil delegated role and functions of the LADO, in relation to the operational responsibilities associated with Section 5 Allegations process. Both roles must sit within the establishment of Social Services.
Regional Safeguarding Boards should maintain an up-to-date record of LADOs and Designated Offices for Safeguarding across Wales. Local Authorities should also maintain their own records of these post holders.