Concerns About Another Staff Member

Schools and colleges should have their own procedures for dealing with safeguarding concerns or allegations against those working in or on behalf of schools and colleges in a paid or unpaid capacity, i.e. members of staff, including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors.

This is an adult who has:

  • Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child, and/or
  • Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child, and/or
  • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to children, and/or
  • Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

Known as low-level concerns. The term 'low-level' concern does not mean that it is insignificant. A low-level concern is any concern — no matter how small, and even if no more than causing a sense of unease or a 'nagging doubt' — that an adult working in or on behalf of the school or college may have acted in a way that:

  • Is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work, and
  • Does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to the LADO.
All staff should report these concerns in line with your setting's policy.
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