Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill

Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill is committed to conducting all business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitative working practices within our own operations and across our supply chain.

We recognise that arboricultural services, landscaping support, equipment sourcing, transport, and subcontracted labour can carry risks if not carefully managed. For that reason, our approach is based on a zero-tolerance policy. We will not knowingly work with any person or organisation involved in slavery, servitude, debt bondage, or any form of coercion.

Our Commitment

As a responsible tree surgery business, Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill expects every employee, contractor, and supplier to uphold fair treatment, safe working conditions, and lawful employment practices. We require all workers to be engaged voluntarily, to receive their wages in full and on time, and to have the freedom to leave employment in accordance with the law.

Our internal controls include identity checks, right-to-work verification, and clear employment records. Managers are trained to recognise warning signs such as withheld documents, excessive working hours, restricted movement, or signs of intimidation. If concerns arise, they are escalated immediately for investigation and action.

Supply Chain Due Diligence

Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill understands that the greatest exposure to modern slavery often sits within the supply chain. Therefore, we carry out proportionate supplier audits and assessments to review employment standards, subcontracting arrangements, and labour practices. These checks are designed to confirm that suppliers share our commitment to ethical conduct and lawful labour.

Before engaging a new supplier, we assess risk based on geography, service type, workforce model, and the use of agency or temporary labour. Where a higher risk is identified, additional scrutiny may include document reviews, declarations of compliance, site visits, and contractual clauses requiring cooperation with investigations. Suppliers found to be in breach of our standards may be suspended or removed from our approved list.

We also expect suppliers to take responsibility for their own supply chains. This means they must not introduce unauthorised subcontractors, conceal labour arrangements, or ignore signs of exploitation. The tree surgery sector depends on trust, and we apply that principle by insisting on accountability at every stage.

Reporting channels are an essential part of our modern slavery framework. We encourage employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to raise concerns in good faith if they suspect abuse, coercion, or unsafe working conditions. Reports may be made through internal management routes or through any confidential reporting channel established for safeguarding concerns.

All concerns are treated seriously and handled sensitively. No one will suffer retaliation for speaking up, raising an issue, or supporting an investigation. This protection is central to our culture, because the ability to report concerns without fear is one of the most effective tools for identifying hidden exploitation.

Where allegations are substantiated, Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill will take prompt remedial action. This may include ending supplier relationships, supporting affected workers, reviewing procedures, and notifying relevant authorities where appropriate. Our aim is not only to respond, but also to prevent recurrence through stronger controls and oversight.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal obligations, industry developments, and operational changes. The review considers audit outcomes, reported concerns, supplier performance, training activity, and any emerging risks in our business or supply chain.

Following each review, we update our controls where necessary and strengthen our response to modern slavery risks. We believe continuous improvement is essential, particularly in sectors where subcontracting and seasonal demand can create pressure on labour standards.

Tree Surgeons Gipsyhill remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical practice. By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, undertaking supplier audits, providing secure reporting channels, and completing an annual review, we aim to play our part in eliminating modern slavery and promoting dignity in every aspect of our work.