Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Woodgreen

Tree Surgeons Woodgreen is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. Modern slavery is a serious violation of those rights, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child labour, or exploitation within our business or supply chain. This statement sets out the principles and controls we apply to help prevent abuse and to ensure that our working practices remain ethical, lawful, and fair.

As a tree surgery business, we rely on skilled workers, specialist equipment, and trusted suppliers. We recognise that risks can arise in procurement, subcontracted labour, transport, PPE, and waste management. For that reason, Tree Surgeons Woodgreen takes a risk-based approach to due diligence, aiming to identify vulnerabilities early and respond promptly. Our aim is not only compliance, but active prevention through clear standards, careful oversight, and responsible decision-making.

We expect every employee, contractor, and supplier associated with Tree Surgeons Woodgreen to comply with all relevant laws and to uphold our ethical expectations. Where we work with third parties, we require them to confirm that they do not engage in unlawful labour practices and that they pass the same standards through their own supply chains. If any party fails to meet these expectations, we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

Supplier due diligence is a central part of our modern slavery controls. Before engaging key suppliers, we assess the nature of the service, the location of operations, labour arrangements, and any indicators of heightened risk. We may request confirmation of employment practices, worker age verification processes, and evidence of compliance with relevant legislation. Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits to review documentation, working conditions, and the management of subcontractors.

These audits may include reviewing payroll records, right-to-work checks, training evidence, and policies relating to recruitment and whistleblowing. We also monitor any signs of unusual dependency, excessive deductions, withheld identity documents, or coercive supervision. If concerns are identified, we will ask for corrective action and may re-audit to verify improvements. Persistent concerns will be escalated and may lead to termination of the arrangement.

Training and awareness are also part of our approach. Staff involved in purchasing, hiring, and operational supervision are encouraged to recognise indicators of exploitation and to understand the routes for escalation. By maintaining vigilance across procurement and site activity, Tree Surgeons Woodgreen seeks to reduce the possibility that hidden labour abuses could exist unnoticed within the wider supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

We encourage anyone connected with our business to raise concerns in good faith if they suspect modern slavery, unsafe labour practices, or unethical conduct. Reporting channels may be used by employees, agency workers, suppliers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders. Concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation, and all reports will be treated seriously, confidentially where possible, and investigated proportionately.

Our internal escalation process ensures that issues are reviewed promptly by responsible managers. Where a concern involves possible criminal activity or immediate risk to an individual, we will act without delay and may involve appropriate authorities. We expect managers to respond with urgency, preserve relevant evidence, and support any person who may be vulnerable. This approach reflects our commitment to prevention as well as remedy.

We also expect an ethical culture to be visible in everyday practice. That means fair recruitment, clear terms of engagement, respectful supervision, and no tolerance for threats, intimidation, or the withholding of pay or documents. Tree Surgeons Woodgreen will continue to strengthen these controls so that our operations remain aligned with modern slavery prevention principles.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and business practice. The review will consider any reported concerns, supplier audit findings, changes in our operations, and updates to risk assessment methods. Where improvements are needed, we will update procedures, reinforce training, and refine our supplier expectations.

Annual review also allows us to measure progress in embedding responsible sourcing and labour standards throughout the business. We will continue to examine whether our controls are proportionate to risk, whether our reporting routes are understood, and whether our suppliers demonstrate genuine commitment to ethical labour practices. This process helps Tree Surgeons Woodgreen maintain momentum and accountability.

By maintaining clear standards, robust due diligence, reliable reporting channels, and a disciplined annual review cycle, Tree Surgeons Woodgreen reaffirms its determination to prevent modern slavery in any form. We will continue to work with integrity, challenge poor practice, and protect the dignity and welfare of everyone connected with our business.