Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Tooting

Tree Surgeons Tooting is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that tree surgery and arboricultural services can involve multiple contractors, seasonal labour, transport, and materials sourcing, which makes vigilance essential.

Our zero-tolerance policy is clear: we do not accept any form of slavery, servitude, bonded labour, child labour, or coerced work in any part of our business. Every manager, employee, subcontractor, and supplier is expected to uphold this principle. Any breach, or credible suspicion of abuse, is treated as a serious matter and may result in immediate termination of the relationship.

As a responsible Tree Surgery Tooting provider, we conduct proportionate due diligence before engaging suppliers and labour providers. This includes checking business credentials, reviewing labour practices, and assessing whether a supplier has suitable policies in place. Where risk is higher, we may request additional evidence, such as workforce records, recruitment procedures, and proof of lawful working arrangements.

We also carry out supplier audits on a scheduled and risk-based basis. These audits may be announced or unannounced, and they are designed to verify compliance with our standards. During an audit, we may review pay practices, working hours, identity verification controls, site conditions, and subcontracting arrangements. Suppliers who fail to meet our expectations are required to implement corrective action within a defined timeframe.

In addition to audits, Tree Surgeons in Tooting provides training so that staff can recognise warning signs of exploitation. Indicators may include unexplained restrictions on movement, workers appearing fearful, withheld documents, poor accommodation conditions, or lack of control over earnings. Training ensures that concerns are identified early and handled appropriately, with care, confidentiality, and urgency.

Reporting channels are an essential part of our approach. Employees and contractors are encouraged to raise concerns if they suspect modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Reports can be made through line managers, senior leadership, or designated safeguarding representatives. We aim to ensure that every report is handled discreetly, without retaliation, and that whistleblowers are protected from disadvantage.

Where a concern is raised, we investigate promptly and proportionately. If there is evidence of abuse, we take immediate action, which may include suspending work, removing a supplier, or referring the matter to the appropriate authorities. We expect all parties in our chain to cooperate fully with investigations. Our response is guided by the principle that human dignity must come before commercial convenience.

We maintain records of due diligence, audit findings, training completion, and corrective actions to help us monitor performance over time. This allows Tree Surgeons Tooting to identify recurring risks and strengthen our controls. We also encourage a culture of openness, where workers feel safe to speak up and where concerns are taken seriously at every level of the business.

This statement reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical practice and responsible procurement. It applies to all areas of our operations, including subcontracted services, transport, equipment sourcing, and administrative support. We expect our suppliers to share our values and to demonstrate clear, lawful, and fair employment practices in every engagement.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal expectations and business risk. During the annual review, we assess the adequacy of our controls, consider any incidents or near misses, and update our procedures where needed. The review is led by management and supports continuous improvement across the Tree Surgeons Tooting business.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, strengthening supplier audits, providing reliable reporting channels, and conducting an annual review, we aim to prevent exploitation and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. Tree Surgeons Tooting remains committed to acting responsibly, protecting vulnerable people, and promoting fair working conditions throughout our operations and supply chain.