One of our core principles
Being impartial
IAS Bolton are commissioned by Bolton Council as a statutory service, but we are at arms length, and do not work for, or on behalf of, the council.
We are commissioned by the council as there is a legal obligation on them to do so. The Law says they must provide parents, carers, children and young people, with access to information and advice services. We are that service.
Being impartial means we don't take sides. We use the law to reference and guide our discussions, advice and support to you. This also means having the same approach when we work with schools, services, and the council.
Although we are impartial, we are there to support you and your child through the process. There are some minimum requirements you can expect from us.
- We will be honest and frank
- We will give you all your options in law
- We will be supportive of your decisions
- We will not speak to professionals without your consent
- Everything you share with us is confidential, unless it must be shared to protect a child/ an adult
- We will treat you with resect and dignity
Our policy in full
Opening hours over the festive period
Our helpline will be closed from Wednesday 17th December and will reopen on Monday 5th January 2026. If you need IAS support over the holiday period, click the button below to find out how.