Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Chessington

Tree Surgeons Chessington is committed to conducting business in a way that respects human rights and upholds dignity for every person involved in our operations. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. As a responsible Chessington tree surgery provider, we recognise that modern slavery can exist in many forms and may be hidden in complex labour and procurement arrangements. Our zero-tolerance policy applies across all activities, including recruitment, subcontracting, sourcing, and site operations.

We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with. That includes employees, contractors, temporary staff, suppliers, and service partners. We are committed to fair treatment, lawful working practices, and ethical sourcing. Any indication of exploitative labour will be investigated promptly and seriously. Our position is clear: Tree Surgeons in Chessington will not knowingly support or benefit from any form of modern slavery. We require all business relationships to be built on transparency, accountability, and respect for legal and moral obligations.

To support this commitment, we carry out supplier due diligence and audits where appropriate. We assess suppliers based on risk, the nature of their services, geographic factors, and the likelihood of labour exploitation. Higher-risk suppliers may be asked to confirm their own anti-slavery controls, working conditions, and recruitment processes. When necessary, we review supporting records and request evidence of compliance. If a supplier fails to meet our expectations, we will take action, which may include corrective measures, suspension, or ending the relationship.

Our Approach to Prevention

Tree Surgeons Chessington understands that prevention is more effective than reaction. For that reason, we embed anti-slavery awareness into our internal processes and decision-making. Staff involved in hiring, procurement, and contractor management are encouraged to remain alert to warning signs such as identity document retention, excessive working hours, restricted movement, or unusual payment arrangements. We also aim to ensure that our modern slavery policy is reflected in contract terms and supplier expectations. By setting clear standards early, we reduce the risk of exploitation entering our operations.

Training and communication are important parts of this work. Relevant team members are made aware of the practical indicators of forced labour and the need to escalate concerns quickly. We also reinforce the expectation that no one should be pressured into unsafe, unlawful, or unfair work. Within our tree surgery company, ethical conduct is not optional; it is part of how we operate. Our management team reviews risk areas regularly and works to improve controls where any gap is identified.

We encourage reporting through clear and accessible channels. Any employee, subcontractor, or supplier who suspects modern slavery may raise the concern directly with management using internal reporting routes. Concerns can be made confidentially and will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and handled with discretion. Reports may involve recruitment practices, wage issues, coercion, threats, or unsafe labour conditions. We will never penalise anyone for reporting a genuine concern in good faith, and we will support appropriate safeguarding steps where needed.

Reporting, Oversight, and Review

The effectiveness of this statement depends on active oversight. Our leadership reviews reported concerns, supplier assurance outcomes, and any relevant risk indicators to decide whether further action is needed. Where appropriate, we cooperate with external authorities or specialist organisations if a case appears serious or urgent. We also expect our subcontractors and suppliers to co-operate fully with audits or requests for information. This approach helps us maintain responsible standards across Tree Surgeons Chessington and within the wider supply chain.

Annual review is central to keeping our response current and effective. At least once each year, we assess this statement, our controls, and the risks associated with our work. The review considers supplier audit findings, internal reporting trends, changes in legislation, and any lessons learned from investigations or compliance checks. If improvements are needed, we update our procedures and strengthen our protections. This ensures our commitment remains practical, measurable, and aligned with best practice.

We recognise that modern slavery can affect industries through labour agencies, subcontracted work, and material sourcing. For that reason, our responsibilities extend beyond direct employment. Our zero-tolerance approach is reinforced by supplier monitoring, ethical procurement, and prompt escalation of concerns. We also expect managers to remain vigilant when engaging new partners or renewing agreements. Responsible oversight helps ensure that our work supports safe, lawful, and respectful employment conditions at every stage.

Commitment to Responsible Practice

This statement reflects the values of Tree Surgeons Chessington and our determination to operate with integrity. We will continue to improve our controls, review our supplier relationships, and strengthen our understanding of modern slavery risks. Our aim is simple: to ensure that every part of our business operates without exploitation and with full respect for human dignity. By maintaining strict standards, clear reporting channels, and a structured annual review, we demonstrate a lasting commitment to ethical and responsible business practice.