Records are kept by the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service for all cases where an allegation is considered or there has been a consultation in which advice or any decision has been made by a LADO.

Records will be kept and then reviewed before destruction. The LADO service has found that these have been useful in acknowledging possible offenders moving between organisations and employers. The records have also provided valuable protection for colleagues wrongly accused, or who have been the subject of malicious intention.

The LADO service for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will always email a referrer to provide an audit trail for records and decisions made. Written referrals are vital from referrers but only when the LADO and referrer have agreed that this action is required. A good written referral prevents misunderstandings and errors during the investigative process.