When an allegation is made, particularly in a professional or safeguarding setting, it is normal to feel distressed about who may have been told and whether your reputation has been affected before you have even had the chance to respond. Many people worry that information has been shared too widely, especially with individuals or organisations who have no role in the case. Understanding how the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) must handle information can help bring clarity and reduce uncertainty.
This guidance explains, in plain English, whether the LADO is allowed to share details of an allegation with an unrelated dance teacher or organisation, and what your rights are if this happened without justification.
Understanding the issue or context
You are understandably concerned that information about an allegation—one that remains unproven and unsubstantiated—may have been passed on to another dance teacher or organisation before you were even contacted. That situation often feels unfair and damaging, especially where safeguarding is involved and reputational consequences can be severe.
Most people in your position want clear answers to two key questions:
- Was the LADO allowed to share this information?
- If not, what can I do about it?
This guidance aims to bring calm clarity to those concerns.
The legal rules or framework
1. LADOs can only share information on a strict “need-to-know” basis
A LADO may share information only with individuals or agencies who have a direct safeguarding role in assessing or managing the allegation. This normally includes:
- children’s social care
- the police
- the employer or organisation directly linked to the allegation
- relevant safeguarding leads within that organisation
- regulatory bodies where appropriate
Sharing beyond this group requires a lawful justification.
2. Sharing with unrelated organisations is not permitted
The LADO should not disclose allegations to:
- unrelated dance teachers
- external organisations with no safeguarding role in your case
- colleagues or professionals not connected to the matter
- members of the public
Doing so is not necessary for safeguarding and would usually breach:
- the Data Protection Act 2018,
- UK GDPR confidentiality obligations, and
- local authority safeguarding protocols.
3. You should be contacted before wider disclosure
Best practice requires that:
- you are informed of the allegation, and
- you are given an opportunity to respond,
before any information is shared beyond those directly responsible for safeguarding decision-making.
If you were not informed before your information was shared externally, this raises a legitimate concern.
4. Unsubstantiated allegations require even greater caution
Where an allegation is:
- unsubstantiated,
- unverified, or
- undergoing initial triage,
the LADO should be particularly careful about confidentiality. Sharing prematurely with unrelated parties can cause unnecessary and unjustified harm.
Practical steps to take (step-by-step guidance)
1. Make a factual record of what happened
Include:
- who you believe was told,
- what they were told,
- how you found out,
- when the disclosure occurred.
2. Request clarification from the local authority
You can write to the LADO or safeguarding team asking:
- who information was shared with,
- why it was shared,
- the lawful basis under UK GDPR,
- whether they consider the disclosure necessary for safeguarding.
They are required to respond to such questions.
3. Make a formal complaint if necessary
If information was shared improperly, your complaint should explain:
- that the organisation or individual was unrelated to the case,
- that you were not informed before disclosure,
- the potential impact on your reputation and employment.
Local authorities must investigate complaints about LADOs.
4. Contact the local authority’s Data Protection Officer
The DPO can determine whether a disclosure breached:
- UK GDPR,
- the Data Protection Act 2018,
- internal confidentiality policies.
5. Escalate to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
If you remain concerned after the local authority responds, you can ask the ICO to conduct a data protection investigation.
6. Seek legal advice if the disclosure has harmed your career
A solicitor can assess whether you may have a claim for:
- misuse of private information,
- breach of data protection law,
- reputational damage.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming all safeguarding information-sharing is lawful. It must still meet strict necessity tests.
- Not keeping a written record. Evidence strengthens your complaint.
- Confronting individuals informally. Formal processes ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Believing you have no rights. UK GDPR gives you strong protections over your personal data.
- Waiting too long to take action. Early steps help preserve documentation and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the LADO share my information with a dance teacher unconnected to the case?
No. Sharing with an unrelated person or organisation is normally unlawful.
Does it matter that the allegation is unsubstantiated?
Yes. Greater care must be taken with unproven allegations.
Should they contact me before sharing my information?
Yes. You should generally be informed early in the process unless there are exceptional safeguarding reasons.
Is this a potential data protection breach?
Yes, if the disclosure lacked lawful basis or necessity.
Can I request a record of who my data was shared with?
Yes. You can ask the local authority to confirm this in writing.
Can I take further action if this harmed my reputation?
Possibly. A solicitor can assess whether a legal claim is appropriate.
Conclusion
If you’d like to understand your rights and options in plain English, visit LegalGuidance.org — a free resource powered by Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.
For professional, fixed-fee advice from a UK solicitor, visit MartinTaggart.com.
This information is general guidance only and not legal advice. For personalised support, please contact Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.