About Us

Equality & Diversity Policy

Our vision is to create a learning society that is free from discrimination and prejudice and which encourages everyone at Bolton Community College to reach their full potential. 

We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for everyone across all our diverse activities, regardless of age, cultural background, race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, disability, marital status or sexual orientation. 

The College has clear and effective procedures for dealing with harassment, bullying and discrimination. Complaints relating to these issues, involving either staff or students, are investigated and appropriate action is always taken. If you feel you are a victim of discrimination or unfair treatment, you need to report it to your tutor, a member of the Fairness Team, a member of the Student Services Team or to a member of staff who you trust.

The matter will be investigated and dealt with and you will receive support while the issue is being resolved. Disciplinary Procedures will be invoked against anyone contravening the Equality and Diversity Policy.

• Useful Links

Bullying & Harassment Policy  

Bullying and harassment is defined as any conduct which is unwanted by the recipient, or any such conduct which affects the dignity of any individual or groups of individuals. Bullying or harassment may be repetitive or an isolated occurrence.

It may be: 

• Physical – contact, assault, or gestures, intimidation, aggressive behaviour.

• Verbal – unwelcome remarks, suggestions and propositions, malicious gossip, jokes and banter.

• Non-verbal – offensive literature or pictures or graffiti and computer imagery, isolation or non co-operation and exclusion from social activities.

• Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behaviour, abuse of power or unfair sanctions which make the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable.

 If you feel you are being bullied or harassed, you should keep a note of the following: 

• The name of the person who is bullying or harassing you.
• The date, time and location the incident took place.
• What happened and how it made you feel at the time
• The names of any witnesses.
• Whether you reported the incident and to whom
• Any actions undertaken

You should also keep a record of any written evidence relating to the incident and any subsequent incidents.

You should report any incident of bullying or harassment to your tutor, a member of staff who you feel you trust, a member of the Fairness Team or a member of the Student Services Team in the Guidance Centre at Manchester Road. An investigation will take place. You will receive support while the issue is being resolved. Those found to be using behaviour that is regarded as bullying or harassment will face Disciplinary Procedures.

Useful Links

• Anit Bullying Network
• Bullying Online

Safeguarding Children
& Vulnerable Adults Policies  

These policies are designed to keep students up to the age of 18 and vulnerable adults with severe learning difficulties or disabilities safe from physical, emotional, sexual and neglect abuse. There is also an Abuse of Trust Policy which forbids staff members working atBolton Community College to have an inappropriate or sexual relationship with a student aged up to 18, even though the student might be over the age of consent. 

If you wish to talk to someone about an instance of abuse, neglect or abuse of trust happening to you or another student, speak to a member of staff who you trust, or a member of the Student Services Team based in the Guidance Centre at Manchester Road.

You will be listened to and supported well. We will also speak to other agencies who can provide further assistance. 

Useful Links

• Bolton Council
• Bolton - safe-gaurding of children

IT User Policy  

You will have to agree to comply with the our IT Acceptable Use Policy if you want to use the College’s computer hardware and software as part of your studies. The Policy covers a range of issues including unacceptable access and use of the internet, intranet and email, downloading material and copyright issues. You will be made aware of the policy and will be required to agree to it every time you log on to use the College IT facilities.
The policy is also available in College libraries and LRCs. 

Drugs & Alcohol Policy

The taking of, dealing in or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly forbidden in the College. If any staff member suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs you will be asked to leave the premises immediately and you will face Disciplinary Procedures. Students will be expected to attend counselling to receive support and advice for this issue. If we suspect you have been selling or supplying controlled drugs at the College you will be immediately suspended, the Disciplinary Procedure will be invoked and the Police will be called to investigate.  

If you wish to discuss drug or alcohol misuse issues with someone, contact the Student Liaison Officer, who can arrange to see you for a one-to-one discussion, on 01204 907346.

Useful Links

• Bolton Drugs Info
• Bolton Council
• IMOKTA
• Talk to Frank

Smoke Free Policy  

We support the Smoke Free Policy in an effort to provide a healthy and comfortable working environment for employees, students and visitors.
The policy is intended to promote a smoke-free environment. 

The objectives of this policy are to: 

• Provide a healthy working environment within the College for our employees, our students and visitors

• Operate a ban on smoking on our premises and in vehicles that are used for transporting our students or employees

• Provide advice, information and assistance for employees and students who wish to give up smoking and who need help

• Support the College’s commitment to the ‘Every Student Matters’ initiative

• All staff, students and visitors are required to subscribe to the Smoke Free Policy

• The College does not permit smoking in any of its premises. People wishing to smoke may only smoke in the designated areas

• Smoking is not permitted in any part of the College buildings or property

• The College will provide a sign-posted designated smoking area for use by students, staff, visitors and contractors

• Ask a tutor or any staff member to explain where the designated area is at any of our sites

• Any student or staff member who repeatedly fails to observe the Policy by smoking in unauthorised areas will be reported and may be liable to disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s Student and Staff Disciplinary Policies

• Non-employees who breach the Policy will be asked to leave the premises. 

Support for Smokers
We recognise that for some people giving up smoking can be difficult.
We will assist you where we can.
Advice and counselling can be obtained from your GP and local NHS cessation advisers.  

Local NHS Stop Smoking Services for one-to-one or group based advice
Just text GIVE UP plus your postcode to 88088 NHS Smoking Helpline - for free advice
help and support - 7am -11pm every day
Telephone: 0800 1690 169
Textphone: 0800 1690 171

NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline
12pm - 9pm everyday
Telephone: 0800 1699169

NHS Asian Tobacco Helplines
1pm - 9pm Tuesdays

Visit your local GP or pharmacist for products to reduce nicotine cravings.

For online help and support and the chance to “Ask an Expert”, visit gosmokefree.co.uk.

Useful Links

• Smoke Free - NHS

Health and Safety

It is the Policy of Bolton Community College to take all reasonable and practical steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of students and employees while at work, and to protect other persons from hazards arising from Colleges activities.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation, it is everyone’s duty to exercise responsibility and care in the prevention of injury and ill health to themselves and to others who may be affected by their actions. Those who supervise work in laboratories, workshops, classrooms and elsewhere within the College, regardless of level, have special obligations to ensure they do not endanger the health and safety of students, staff and others. 

The College shall ensure that at every opportunity it provides:

• Premises, plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe and do not involve risks to healt
• Proper facilities, equipment and protection for the safe use, transport, handling and storage of articles and substances
• Information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety of employees and all those lawfully occupied in areas controlled by the
• College or engaged in College activities off site.
• A safe working environment without risk to health and safety
• Risk-free access and exit to any work environment
• Adequate welfare facilities including toilets, rest areas and cafeterias
• Regularly maintained electrical installations, fire alarms and fireprevention equipment
• Adequate arrangements for negotiation and consultation on measures for ensuring health and safety at work
• New health and safety measures to deal with any issues that may arise in the future

Your Health and Safety Responsibilities
When attending BoltonCommunity College all students have a duty to take responsibility for the health and safety of both themselves and others who may be affected by their actions.

This will require all students to:

• Observe all instructions, whether written or verbal, to ensure personal safety and the safety of others
• Conduct themselves at all times in an orderly manner and refrain from any form of improper behaviour
• Use all safety equipment and protective clothing as instructed, reporting any loss or defect to their tutor
• Not to interfere with or misuse any equipment provided for health and safety purposesReport all hazards to their tutor
• Report all accidents to their tutor, whether injury is sustained or not
• Be familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure, and the location of fire alarm points and emergency equipment
• Fire and Emergency Procedures
• It is the responsibility of all students to familiarise themselves with, and adhere to, the College fire and emergency procedures.  

Action to be taken by a student discovering a fire:

• Raise the alarm, by operating the nearest ‘break glass’ fire alarm
• If necessary, notify the fire service directly by dialling 9/999
• Do not attempt to tackle the fire unless your escape route is blocked 

On hearing the alarm:

• Leave the building immediately by the nearest safe emergency exit, do not use any lifts, and do not stop to collect personal belongings
• Close all doors and windows when leaving
• Remember that you may not be allowed to re-enter the building, so it is advisable always to carry your car keys, wallet, and phone with you to ensure that you can get home
• Report to the appropriate fire assembly point and register with your tutor
• Remain at the fire assembly point and await further instructions
• Do NOT re-enter the building until you are instructed to do so

Useful Links

• Report an incident or accident
• Health & Safety at Work

Evacuation Procedures for Students With Disabilities And/Or Learning Difficulties

On hearing the alarm:

• From ground floor areas with direct access to assembly points, students with reduced mobility or those requiring assistance should be escorted by the tutor or volunteer buddy to the fire assembly point
• From upper floor areas, students with reduced mobility or those requiring assistance should be escorted by the tutor or volunteer buddy to the nearest refuge point 
• Once the escape route is clear from obstructions, and it is safe to do so, the most able students with a disability or learning difficulties should be assisted down the stairs to the appropriate assembly point. 
• The volunteer buddy should remain with the wheelchair user in the assembly point until the arrival of the emergency services or College evacuation key personnel
• Visually impaired students should be escorted to their designated assembly point by their tutor, unit staff or by their volunteer buddy.
• In addition to the operation of the fire alarm sounders, visual alerts will illuminate in the deaf unit classrooms
• Tutors and support staff will accompany deaf students when they evacuate to their dedicated assembly point.
• Once accounted for, all students with learning difficulties or disabilities should remain at their fire assembly point and await further 

Reporting Accidents And Incidents  

Know the location and contact details of your nearest first aider. In the event of an accident or incident, students must report it to their tutor or the College reception.

Once reported, a College accident and incident form must be completed and forwarded to the safety advisor or officer.
An investigation will be conducted to see how and why the incident occurred
Once the investigation has taken place, control measures will be implemented to prevent it occurring again.

Lifting and Carrying  

Students should not lift or carry any heavy or awkward items unless they are instructed to do so and have been provided with appropriate training instructions.
No student should re-enter the building until they are instructed to do so. 

False Alarms and Malicious Act

Raising a false alarm is a very serious breach of the College Code of Conduct.

Any student found deliberately setting off the alarms without good reason will face Disciplinary Procedures.

It is a criminal offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act to knowingly damage or interfere with any equipment provided in the interest of health and safety.