Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Eltham

Tree Surgeons Eltham is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and accountability. We recognise that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation have no place in our operations or supply chains. This statement sets out the practical steps we take to identify, prevent, and address these risks across our work. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every part of the business, from day-to-day site activity to procurement and subcontracted services.

Modern slavery can take many forms, including coercion, debt bondage, and the withholding of freedom, wages, or identity documents. As a responsible tree surgery provider, we understand that vigilance is essential. We expect all staff, contractors, and suppliers to uphold lawful and ethical standards at all times. Any breach of this expectation may lead to termination of engagement, reporting to the relevant authorities, or both.

Our approach begins with risk awareness. Tree Surgeons Eltham assesses areas where vulnerability may exist, particularly within labour recruitment, temporary staffing, equipment supply, transport, and subcontracted arboricultural services. We use proportionate due diligence to review business partners before work begins and to monitor ongoing relationships. This includes checking labour practices, business legitimacy, and adherence to ethical employment standards.

Supplier control is a key part of our commitment. We carry out supplier audits where appropriate, especially for higher-risk suppliers or those providing labour-intensive services. These audits may include document checks, contract reviews, and confirmation of wage, working time, and right-to-work practices. We expect suppliers to cooperate fully and to demonstrate that they maintain fair treatment, safe conditions, and lawful employment arrangements. Where concerns arise, we require corrective action and re-evaluate the relationship if improvements are not made.

To support compliance, our contracts include clauses requiring suppliers and subcontractors to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded, or trafficked labour. We also ask them to cascade these expectations to their own supply chains. This helps us extend our responsible sourcing standards beyond direct relationships. By working collaboratively, Tree Surgeons Eltham aims to reduce hidden risks and strengthen transparency across all operational levels.

We provide clear reporting channels so that concerns can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. Employees and workers are encouraged to report any suspicion of exploitation, unsafe recruitment practices, or unethical conduct through internal management routes. Reports are handled sensitively and investigated promptly. Confidentiality is respected wherever possible, and no individual will suffer detriment for speaking up in good faith. If a matter involves serious risk, it is escalated immediately for appropriate action.

Training and awareness are also important. Staff involved in hiring, procurement, and site supervision receive guidance on recognising warning signs of modern slavery. These signs may include inconsistent pay arrangements, restricted movement, lack of personal documents, or a worker being unable to speak freely about their employment. By building awareness, we improve our ability to identify and respond to risks early.

Our commitment is reinforced through regular governance. This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and operational realities. Each review considers audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, and any changes in risk exposure. Where necessary, we update our procedures, strengthen controls, and refresh staff training. This continuous improvement approach helps ensure that our standards remain robust.

Tree Surgeons Eltham will continue to act with transparency, responsibility, and care. We believe that every worker deserves dignity, fair treatment, and lawful employment. Our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels, and annual review form the foundation of our approach to preventing modern slavery and protecting vulnerable people across our business and supply chain.

In summary, Tree Surgeons Eltham is committed to keeping modern slavery risks under active control through prevention, detection, and decisive response. We will continue to improve our systems, strengthen oversight, and maintain high ethical standards in every aspect of our work.