In a recent article, Community Care reports that the Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, has called for the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) role to be detached from local government to enhance accountability and protection of children. Community Care
The full article can be read here:
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/09/29/lado-role-should-be-removed-from-local-government-says-childrens-commissioner/
According to the article:
- Inconsistent handling across councils
De Souza highlights that different local authorities manage LADO duties unevenly, especially in how they refer staff concerns to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). - Risk of information silos
Vital safeguarding data can be lost or miscommunicated due to weak coordination among local authorities, Ofsted, DBS, and the police. - Institutional abuse and accountability
The impetus for reform comes in part from prior abuse scandals in residential schools. Investigations showed that LADO teams did not always gather and analyse staff conduct data effectively, weakening protection for children. - Special vulnerabilities of disabled children
The role of LADO is particularly critical in institutions serving children with communication needs, where abuse can go unheard without specialist advocacy. - Calls for national standards and statutory guidance
De Souza recommends:- Elevating the LADO role to an independent body (or function) outside of council control
- Introducing statutory thresholds and consistent referral processes
- Ensuring better data sharing among safeguarding agencies
- Publishing updated national advocacy standards, especially for non-verbal or communication-vulnerable children.
