Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Deptford

Tree Surgeons Deptford is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, child exploitation, and any other form of modern slavery within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that tree surgery and arboriculture can involve multiple contractors, seasonal labour, and specialist suppliers, which makes vigilance essential. Our approach is based on prevention, detection, and swift action.

We expect every person working with or for Tree Surgeons Deptford to uphold ethical working practices and comply with all applicable employment, wage, and safety laws. This applies to staff, subcontractors, agency workers, and business partners. No one should be coerced, deceived, or threatened in order to work. Any breach of this principle is treated as a serious matter and may lead to termination of contracts, reporting to relevant authorities, and other corrective measures where appropriate.

As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing, we carry out supplier audits and due diligence reviews on an ongoing basis. These checks may include evaluating labour standards, reviewing documentation, confirming legal right-to-work procedures, and assessing whether suppliers have their own anti-slavery controls in place. Tree Surgeons Deptford uses a risk-based approach, with enhanced scrutiny for higher-risk categories such as labour providers, equipment subcontractors, transport services, and imported materials. We also encourage suppliers to adopt clear policies that mirror our own expectations.

Our zero-tolerance policy is embedded in recruitment, procurement, and contract management. When engaging new partners, Tree Surgeons Deptford considers whether there are warning signs such as unusual payment arrangements, restricted worker movement, debt bondage indicators, or inconsistent employment records. We also train relevant team members to recognise signs of exploitation and to escalate concerns immediately. Preventing modern slavery is not a one-off exercise; it is a continuous responsibility that informs how we select, monitor, and retain suppliers.

To support accountability, Tree Surgeons Deptford provides multiple reporting channels for concerns about exploitation, unsafe practices, or unethical behaviour. Workers and third parties are encouraged to report issues through their line manager, senior management, or the designated internal safeguarding route. Reports are handled sensitively, and we aim to protect anyone who raises concerns in good faith from retaliation or disadvantage. Where needed, we will investigate promptly, preserve evidence, and take action proportionate to the seriousness of the issue.

We also recognise that transparency strengthens compliance. Therefore, our records of supplier reviews, audit findings, training activity, and incidents are maintained to help identify trends and improve controls. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, Tree Surgeons Deptford may require corrective action plans, additional monitoring, or a pause in the relationship until concerns are resolved. In severe cases, we reserve the right to end the relationship immediately. This helps ensure that our business does not benefit from exploitation at any stage of the supply chain.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legal and ethical expectations. The review considers changes in law, supply chain risks, audit outcomes, training needs, and any reported concerns. Tree Surgeons Deptford is committed to continuous improvement and will update policies, controls, and procedures where necessary. Our aim is to strengthen safeguards year after year and maintain a workplace culture built on dignity, responsibility, and respect.

By publishing this modern slavery statement, Tree Surgeons Deptford reaffirms its commitment to preventing exploitation in every part of its operations. We will continue to promote awareness, challenge poor practices, and work only with organisations that share our standards. Ethical conduct is central to our identity as a professional tree surgery business, and we will act decisively whenever there is a risk that modern slavery could be present.