Pointers for Practice: Process Steps & Timescales

Allegation Identified

• Action: Notify and discuss with line manager or safeguarding lead. Make a written record of allegation,
• Timescale: Immediately

Initial Report/Referral to Social Services - LADO/DoS

• Action: Referral made using appropriate form; initial safeguarding measures implemented.
• Timescale: Same day or within 24 hours (next working day if out of hours)

Threshold Decision by LADO/DoS

• Action: LADO/DoS reviews information reported whether the allegation/concern meets Section 5 criteria.
• Timescale: Within 2 working days
• If Threshold Not Met:
  • Employer handles via internal policies; rationale recorded.
• If Threshold Met:
  • Proceed to Strategy Discussion.

Strategy Discussion

• Action: Multi-agency discussion (e.g. Police, Social Services, Employer, Regulator) to determine next steps.
• Purpose: Assess immediate risks, share initial information, decide whether to progress to Section 5 Strategy Meeting
• Timescale: Within 2–3 working days of threshold decision

Initial Section 5 Strategy Meeting

• Action: Chaired by LADO/DoS, determines investigation plans, risk management, safeguarding, employer actions, and communication.
• Attendees: Social workers, employer, Police, regulators, others as appropriate e.g. Human Resources, professional body .
• Timescale: Within 5 working days of strategy discussion

Ongoing Investigation(s)

• Types: Criminal, disciplinary, regulatory, child/adult protection.
• Action: Parallel inquiries take place; interim safeguarding reviewed regularly.
• Timescale: Monitored at regular intervals; reviewed at subsequent PSMs

Further Section 5 Strategy Meetings (if needed)

• Action: Review investigation outcomes/information, adjust safeguarding plans, prepare for conclusion.
• Timescale: Held at regular intervals depending on case complexity

Conclusion of the Process

• Action: PSM determines outcome:
  • Substantiated / Unsubstantiated / Unfounded / Malicious
  • Identification of any transferable risks and mitigating actions
  • Consider referral to DBS/professional bodies
• Timescale: As soon as investigations conclude

Outcomes & Communication

• To Individual: Employer (and LADO in writing) informs subject of outcome.
• To Others: Child/adult at risk and family informed per discussion agreement.
• Timescale: Immediately following outcome decision, LADO written outcome to be sent no later than 5 working days

DBS / Regulatory Referral

• Action: Referral made if individual poses ongoing risk.
• Legal Duty: Applies to regulated activity providers and personnel suppliers.
• Timescale: Immediately after outcome where required

Summary of Good Practice Timescales

Respond to Initial Report → Within 2 working days

Strategy Discussion → Within 2–3 working days

Initial Strategy Meeting (PSM) → Within 5 working days of discussion

Further PSMs → At regular intervals as needed

Conclusion → As soon as investigations conclude

DBS Referral (if needed) → Immediately after outcome decision