Safeguarding and Employment Law: Allegations of Abuse Made Against Staff (concerns that meet the harm threshold)

There are many areas in school where safeguarding and HR interlink, and when an allegation of abuse is made against a staff member, your Headteacher and HR should work closely together to ensure all processes and procedures are followed accordingly.

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 continues to emphasise the importance of working with the LADO and understanding the harm threshold. With the recent growing emphasis on ‘low-level concerns’, knowing the differences is key.

During the session we will be discussing the following:

• • What processes must staff follow in relation to allegations of abuse made against staff. 
  • Reporting allegations of abuse and working with the LADO. 
  • The role of HR in allegations of abuse made against staff.

Let us introduce you to this week's professional speakers

James Simoniti

James is a former Police Detective specialising in the investigation of Sexual Offences, Child Abuse, Trafficking and Exploitation. He was also responsible for investigations into those in Positions of Trust, frequently working in partnership with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). James brings an in-depth knowledge of safeguarding children, partnership working and crisis management to Judicium – knowledge that is critical for all DSLs. He enjoys hiking, and he once walked across the North York Moors in a single day!

Kelly Rayner

Kelly is the Deputy Head of the Judicium HR & Employment Law advisory team. She is a qualified solicitor and has specialised in Employment law since 2002. Kelly advised both employers and employees on a wide range of employment law issues and represented clients in litigation matters in the Employment Tribunal. She joined Judicium in 2013 and over the last 11 years has specialised in supporting our clients within the Education sector with the management of day-to-day and complex employment law and HR issues. Kelly spends her spare time with her very lively five-year-old daughter. She loves to travel, especially to sunny places!