All our staff have a duty to promote and protect the right of every adult to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

We have processes in place to enable partnership working across Bolton’s health and social care community in order to address the risks and experience of abuse and neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is central to proceedings, and that due regard is given to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding any action that concerns them.

To ensure that this is the case, we have taken the following measures:

• We are a member of the Bolton Adult Safeguarding Board and are represented on all relevant subgroups
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are made on all new staff  in accordance with NHS Employer guidelines and our own safeguarding policies
• A clear and well publicised referral pathway is in place for staff to use to raise concerns on behalf of patients who are experiencing or are at risk of abuse or neglect
• Training is provided for all staff to ensure they understand our commitment to safeguarding, have an appreciation of the Care Act 2014 and the ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’ approach, and are competent in identifying and appropriately escalating safeguarding concerns
• We adopt a robust approach to the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the associated Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards
• The Named Nurse for Safeguarding Adults is accountable for co-ordinating safeguarding duties, for liaising effectively with partners and for providing evidence of enquiries both internally and externally where required
• Adult safeguarding activities are presented quarterly and annually to the board of directors

Safeguarding Adult, Children and Looked After Children Annual Report 2021/22