Tree Surgeon Modern Slavery Statement

As a specialist Tree Surgeon and tree surgery company, we set out our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking across our operations and supply chain. This modern slavery statement applies to our arborist teams, subcontractors and suppliers. We declare a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, bonded labour or exploitation in the provision of tree-care and tree surgery services.

Our Policy and Principles

We operate with transparency and integrity. Our zero-tolerance approach is embedded in recruitment, procurement and contracting processes for every tree-care contractor we engage. All staff, from grounds teams to senior management, receive training on recognising signs of exploitation. We maintain clear expectations that contractors and arborists comply with labour standards and human rights laws.

Scope and Responsibilities

This statement covers direct employees and the wider network of suppliers who provide equipment, labour and specialist services to our tree surgeon business. Company directors and managers are responsible for enforcing the policy. We expect suppliers to adhere to the same standards; failure to do so may result in contract termination. Our procurement decisions weigh ethical compliance equally with quality and cost.

We take an active approach to supplier due diligence. Supplier audits and checks are central to how we manage risk: before appointment, suppliers must attest to compliant employment practices and allow periodic reviews. Our audit programme includes documentary checks, site visits and, where appropriate, worker interviews to verify conditions. These supplier audits focus on working hours, wage payments, recruitment fees and freedom of movement.

To support continuous improvement, we include the following measures in our supply-chain management:

• Pre-engagement compliance screening for all subcontractors and suppliers.
• Regular supplier audits with corrective action plans where issues are identified.
• Contract clauses that require adherence to anti-slavery standards and allow audit rights.

We also ensure that our on-site crew leaders and tree surgeon supervisors are trained to spot signs of modern slavery and poor labour practices. Staff are encouraged to speak up and to use internal reporting channels if they have concerns about exploitation in tree surgery projects or related services.

To make reporting accessible, we provide multiple reporting channels. Employees, temporary workers, suppliers and the public may report suspected modern slavery through anonymous hotlines, internal whistleblowing systems and through designated managers. Reports are treated seriously: all allegations are investigated promptly and confidentially. We protect whistleblowers from reprisals and ensure impartial investigations.

Our remedial framework includes support for any identified victims, cooperation with relevant authorities and corrective requirements for suppliers. We will act decisively where breaches are found, including contract termination, restitution where practicable and working with other agencies to ensure appropriate support is provided.

Monitoring, transparency and regular reporting are part of our commitment to eradicate exploitation from our industry. Annually, the board reviews the effectiveness of our anti-slavery measures and publishes outcomes in this statement. The review examines audit results, incident responses, training completion rates and supplier improvements. The board uses these insights to refine policies and enhance supplier audits and contractual protections.

We recognise that ending modern slavery requires ongoing vigilance across the arboriculture sector. As an experienced tree surgeon provider, we aim to be an industry leader by sharing best practice and raising awareness with partners and clients. Zero-tolerance is not merely rhetoric; it is operationalised through procurement, supplier audits, training and robust reporting channels.

Accountability is assured by an annual review cycle and by assigning clear responsibilities for supplier oversight, incident management and worker welfare. Our commitment extends to continual improvement: where audits reveal deficiencies, we require corrective action plans with measurable timelines.

In conclusion, this modern slavery statement reflects our strong stance against exploitation in all forms. Our tree surgery company pledges to maintain effective policies, rigorous supplier audits, safe and confidential reporting channels, and a disciplined annual review to ensure that the highest ethical standards are upheld across our operations and supply chain for every arborist, crew member and subcontractor.