Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Archway

Tree Surgeons Archway is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps taken to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that professional arboricultural work, including tree surgery services, can involve multiple suppliers, contractors, and seasonal workers, which makes vigilance essential. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every part of our activity, and we expect the same standard from everyone who works with or for us.

Our approach is grounded in responsibility, transparency, and continuous improvement. The team at Tree Surgeons Archway is trained to identify warning signs such as withheld documents, excessive control of movement, unsafe accommodation, or payment practices that may indicate exploitation. We believe that ethical working practices protect workers, strengthen service quality, and support long-term trust. Any breach of this policy is treated seriously and may result in immediate suspension or termination of the relationship.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a clear zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery in all forms. No individual should be subjected to coercion, deception, debt bondage, abuse of vulnerability, or any situation where they cannot freely leave employment. This applies equally to permanent staff, temporary workers, agency personnel, subcontractors, and suppliers. All managers involved in procurement and operations are required to act promptly if concerns arise, and they must escalate any suspicion without delay. This commitment is central to the way Archway tree surgeons operate.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We carry out proportionate supplier audits to assess labour standards, recruitment methods, wage practices, and worker welfare controls. Where appropriate, suppliers are asked to confirm that they comply with applicable employment law and do not use forced or trafficked labour. As part of our due diligence, Tree Surgeons Archway may review policies, request evidence of right-to-work checks, and verify how subcontracted labour is sourced. If risks are identified, we require corrective action and reserve the right to cease trading with suppliers who fail to improve.

Our procurement process also considers the geographic and sector-specific risks associated with products and services used in arboricultural work. This includes chains linked to equipment, protective clothing, transport, waste handling, and labour agencies. By applying risk-based checks, tree surgeons in Archway can better identify vulnerable points in the supply chain and reduce the likelihood of abuse. We encourage suppliers to adopt the same ethical standards and to pass them on to their own contractors.

Reporting Channels and Protection

We provide confidential reporting channels for staff, suppliers, and contractors to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or unsafe labour practices. Reports may be made to managers, senior leadership, or through internal grievance procedures. Concerns can be raised in good faith without fear of retaliation, victimisation, or disadvantage. Any allegation will be treated seriously, documented, investigated promptly, and handled with discretion. Where necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and support potential victims through appropriate internal action.

Awareness is supported through periodic training and internal communication, ensuring that employees understand how to recognise and respond to risk. We encourage a culture where speaking up is normal and where ethical conduct is expected at every level. This is especially important in busy operational environments where pressure, time constraints, and subcontracting can mask harmful labour practices. By reinforcing our standards, Tree Surgeons Archway aims to help prevent exploitation before it occurs.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current law and best practice. The review will consider audit outcomes, supplier performance, incident reports, training completion, and any emerging risks in our supply chain. Findings from the review may lead to updated controls, additional training, or tighter supplier requirements. We view this process as part of a wider commitment to accountability and ethical leadership within the arboriculture sector.

Tree Surgeons Archway will continue to improve its systems, strengthen supplier oversight, and promote respect for human rights in every aspect of its work. Our promise is simple: no tolerance for exploitation, no complacency in monitoring, and no compromise on ethical standards. Through careful checks, open reporting, and regular review, we aim to keep our operations safe, lawful, and fair for everyone involved.