Children's Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service

Children's Safeguarding and Quality Assurance service safeguard children:

• Child Protection page in Cheshire East
• Cared For Children
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Independent Reviewing Officers

Formerly known as the Independent safeguarding Chair. Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) make sure cared for children and young people are listened to and their care plans are of good quality.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Working Together to Safeguard Children (PDF, 1.9MB) states local authorities should have a Designated Officer (LADO) to be involved in the management and oversight of allegations made about people who work/volunteer with children when the person has allegedly:

• behaved in away that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
• behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children
• behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

The above criteria relate to the person’s behaviour in their workplace, the community and their home or social life.

Allegations meeting the above criteria should be referred to the LADO in the area where the person works/volunteers within one working day (WTSC 2018). 

If the person works/volunteers with children in Cheshire East you can make a referral or request a consultation by submitting a  LADO Consultation/Referral form online via Cheshire East’s secure portal or via email. 

• LADO Consultation referral form
• LADO one minute guide - 2026 (PDF, 222KB)
• Leaflet for employee (PDF, 266KB)
• Leaflet for Employer (PDF, 288KB)
• Leaflet for Parent carer (PDF, 260KB)

Tell us what you think

Please use the online feedback forms to tell us your views.

• For Child Protection Review
• For Cared for and Pathway Plan Reviews

After your review you can always contact your IRO if there is anything else you wanted to say.

Parents, Carers and professional feedback:

As a parent, carer or professional, your views are important and we welcome your feedback. Please use the below online forms to submit your views:

• For Child Protection
• For Cared for and Pathway Plan