Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Barnes

Tree Surgeons Barnes is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations with integrity, respect, and responsibility. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and any form of exploitation within our business and supply chain. We recognise that as a tree surgery service provider, our work relies on trusted people, materials, and subcontractors, and we therefore maintain robust controls to help prevent abuse.

Our policy applies to every part of the business, including employees, contractors, suppliers, and service partners. We expect all parties associated with Tree Surgeons Barnes to uphold lawful, ethical, and humane employment practices. Any breach of this standard may result in immediate termination of the relationship. Our commitment is reinforced through induction, training, and oversight measures designed to identify risk early and respond decisively.

We also recognise that modern slavery can be hidden in complex supply chains. For this reason, we carry out risk-based supplier audits and due diligence checks when appointing new suppliers and reviewing existing ones. These assessments may include documentation review, employment practice verification, and evaluation of subcontractor controls. Where concerns arise, we require corrective action plans and may suspend or remove suppliers that fail to meet our requirements.

Supplier governance is an essential part of our approach. Tree Surgeons Barnes seeks relationships with organisations that demonstrate transparent labour practices, fair pay, and compliance with applicable employment laws. We prefer suppliers who can evidence responsible recruitment, worker welfare protections, and clear anti-slavery procedures. In higher-risk categories, additional scrutiny is applied to reduce the chance of exploitation entering our operations.

To support accountability, we maintain clear reporting channels for employees and stakeholders to raise concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Reports may relate to suspected exploitation, unsafe working practices, withholding of wages, or any conduct that appears inconsistent with our standards. All concerns are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with discretion. We encourage a culture where speaking up is seen as a duty, not a risk.

Training is another important safeguard. Relevant team members receive awareness guidance on spotting warning signs such as restricted movement, unusual dependency, poor living conditions, or reluctance to speak freely. This is especially important in sectors like arboriculture, where work may involve seasonal labour, subcontracting, or time-sensitive site delivery. By keeping modern slavery awareness visible, Tree Surgeons Barnes strengthens its ability to respond appropriately.

Governance and Responsibility

The leadership team is responsible for overseeing this statement and ensuring that anti-slavery controls remain effective. We review supplier performance, monitor incidents, and ensure that corrective actions are completed. Where necessary, we work with partners to improve standards, but we will not compromise on our zero-tolerance policy. Compliance is treated as a core business requirement rather than a separate exercise.

We also expect workers and managers to remain alert to signs of coercion or unethical recruitment. Modern slavery can occur in direct employment, subcontracting arrangements, transportation chains, or outsourced services. Our preventative approach is based on vigilance, documentation, and continuous improvement. Tree Surgeons Barnes understands that responsible business practice requires more than policy statements; it requires consistent action.

Annual Review

This statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal obligations and operational realities. The review will consider audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, training outcomes, and any changes in risk profile. As part of this process, we will update our controls where needed and strengthen measures that support ethical labour practices across the Tree Surgeons Barnes network.

Our objective is to help ensure that every person connected with our work is treated fairly, with dignity, and without exploitation. Through supplier oversight, confident reporting channels, and annual review, Tree Surgeons Barnes reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery in all its forms.

This statement reflects our ongoing dedication to responsible arboricultural services and the ethical standards expected from a modern business. We will continue to promote transparency, monitor risk, and uphold practices that protect workers and support lawful, fair, and respectful working conditions.