Response Bolton CIC
Company Registration Number: 17407705
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Marvin Barrett
Policy status: Active
Last Updated: 29th October 2026
1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At Response Bolton CIC, the safety, dignity and wellbeing of everyone who comes into contact with our organisation are important to us.
We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where people are treated with respect and protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.
We recognise that some people experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, isolation or other difficulties may be particularly vulnerable.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our directors, staff and volunteers are expected to take concerns seriously and act appropriately.
2. Who This Policy Covers
Response Bolton CIC primarily supports adults aged 18 and over through community activities, practical assistance, food support, outreach and referrals.
Although we do not provide activities directly for children, we recognise that safeguarding concerns involving children may arise through our work with parents, carers and families.
This policy applies to our directors, staff, volunteers and anyone acting on behalf of Response Bolton CIC.
3. Safeguarding Adults
We are committed to protecting adults who may be experiencing, or be at risk of, abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding concerns may include:
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Emotional or psychological abuse.
- Financial abuse or exploitation.
- Domestic abuse.
- Neglect or self-neglect.
- Discrimination or harassment.
- Modern slavery or exploitation.
- Abuse by organisations or individuals in positions of trust.
We recognise that abuse can happen anywhere, including at home, within the community or in a service setting.
Our approach follows the principles of the Care Act 2014, including empowerment, prevention, protection, proportionality, partnership and accountability.
Where possible, we will involve adults in decisions affecting their safety, respect their wishes and seek appropriate consent, while recognising that action may be necessary to protect someone from serious harm.
4. Safeguarding Children
Although Response does not directly deliver children’s activities, we recognise our responsibility to respond appropriately if concerns arise about the safety or welfare of a child.
Any concern that a child may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation will be taken seriously.
Staff and volunteers must report concerns promptly and must not attempt to investigate allegations themselves.
Where necessary, concerns will be referred to the appropriate children’s safeguarding services or emergency authorities.
The welfare and safety of the child will remain the priority.
5. Recognising and Reporting Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may arise when someone:
- Tells us they are being harmed, threatened or exploited.
- Appears frightened, distressed or at risk.
- Shows possible signs of neglect or abuse.
- Experiences controlling, coercive or discriminatory behaviour.
- Is believed to be at risk of harm from another person.
If someone shares a safeguarding concern, we will listen carefully, treat them with respect and avoid making promises of absolute confidentiality.
Staff and volunteers should record relevant information accurately and report concerns to the designated Safeguarding Lead without unnecessary delay.
They must not conduct their own investigations.
6. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead
Marvin Barrett is Response Bolton CIC’s designated Safeguarding Lead.
He is responsible for receiving safeguarding concerns, considering appropriate action, maintaining confidential records and liaising with relevant safeguarding authorities where necessary.
Safeguarding concerns can be raised through:
Telephone: 01204 262403
Email: responsebolton@gmail.com
If a concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported directly to an appropriate statutory safeguarding authority or the police, rather than to the person concerned.
7. Responding to Immediate Danger
If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, call 999.
Where there is a safeguarding concern that does not require an emergency response, Response will consider whether a referral to the appropriate Bolton safeguarding service is necessary.
We recognise that safeguarding investigations are the responsibility of the relevant statutory authorities.
8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We respect people’s privacy and understand that safeguarding information can be particularly sensitive.
Information will only be shared where there is an appropriate and lawful reason to do so.
There may be circumstances where sharing information without consent is necessary to protect someone from serious harm, safeguard another person or meet a legal obligation.
Safeguarding records must be handled confidentially and accessed only by authorised individuals.
9. Safe Working Practices
Response Bolton CIC expects everyone representing the organisation to:
- Treat people with dignity, fairness and respect.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Avoid behaviour that could place someone at risk.
- Report concerns about abuse, neglect or inappropriate conduct.
- Follow safeguarding procedures and relevant organisational policies.
- Respect confidentiality and personal information.
- Challenge discriminatory or abusive behaviour appropriately.
We aim to promote a culture where people feel able to raise concerns without fear of intimidation or unfair treatment.
10. Working With Other Services
We recognise that effective safeguarding often requires cooperation between organisations.
Where appropriate, Response may work with local safeguarding services, housing providers, health professionals, the police and other relevant organisations.
Our role is to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and help people access specialist support when needed.
We do not undertake statutory safeguarding investigations.
11. Raising a Safeguarding Concern
If you are concerned about your own safety or the safety of someone else, please contact Response Bolton CIC.
Response Bolton CIC
Office B, Unit 2, 101 The Picture House
Bradshawgate, Bolton, BL1 1QD
Telephone: 01204 262403
Email: responsebolton@gmail.com
For immediate danger, always call 999.
You can also contact the relevant local authority safeguarding service directly.
12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, safeguarding guidance or Response Bolton CIC’s activities.
The directors are responsible for ensuring that appropriate safeguarding arrangements remain in place.
