Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Osterley

Tree Surgeons Osterley is committed to conducting business with integrity, dignity, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the arboriculture sector can involve labour-intensive work, subcontracting, and equipment sourcing, all of which require careful oversight. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every part of our business.

We expect everyone who works with or for us to share this commitment. That includes employees, contractors, suppliers, and labour providers. No person should be subjected to coercion, exploitation, debt bondage, withheld wages, unlawful deductions, or unsafe working conditions. At Tree Surgeons Osterley, we maintain clear expectations that all work must be voluntary, lawful, and fairly rewarded.

Our approach begins with risk awareness. We assess where modern slavery risks may arise, particularly in recruitment, temporary labour, transport, plant hire, and outsourced services. We also review the countries and sectors involved in our supply chain. By identifying higher-risk areas early, Tree Surgeons Osterley can apply stronger controls and keep our operations aligned with ethical standards.

All suppliers are required to meet our ethical requirements before engagement and throughout the relationship. We conduct supplier audits and periodic checks to verify labour practices, payment arrangements, identity controls, and working conditions. These audits may include document reviews, site visits, interviews, and confirmation that workers understand their rights. If concerns are identified, we require prompt corrective action and reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship where necessary.

Our contracts include clauses prohibiting the use of forced labour and requiring compliance with applicable employment and human rights laws. We also ask suppliers to pass these obligations down to their own subcontractors. This helps extend accountability across the chain and supports a consistent standard across tree surgery, grounds maintenance, and related services. We believe that ethical sourcing is essential to responsible operations.

Recruitment practices are carefully managed to reduce vulnerability. We do not allow workers to pay fees for employment placement, and we require proof that right-to-work checks, age verification, and pay arrangements are handled lawfully. Tree Surgeons Osterley also promotes fair treatment by ensuring workers can retain control of their identity documents, access understandable terms of work, and raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

To support openness, we provide several reporting channels so concerns can be raised safely. These may include speaking to a manager, using internal reporting routes, or notifying designated compliance personnel. Reports may be made anonymously where possible, and every concern is reviewed promptly and sensitively. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who speaks up in good faith.

Training is part of our prevention strategy. Managers and relevant staff are trained to recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, excessive overtime, poor recordkeeping, intimidation, or unusual recruitment arrangements. Training helps ensure that modern slavery risks are understood not only in direct employment, but also in procurement and subcontracting decisions. Tree Surgeons Osterley views awareness as a practical safeguard.

Where a possible issue is identified, we investigate, record findings, and take proportionate action. This may include requesting evidence, increasing audit frequency, improving supplier controls, or ending a contract if standards are not met. We also work to address root causes, because meaningful prevention requires more than a one-off response. Ethical conduct must remain part of daily decision-making.

Our statement and procedures are subject to annual review. Each year we assess the effectiveness of our controls, consider emerging risks, and update our approach where needed. This review includes supplier performance, audit findings, training completion, incident trends, and any legislative changes relevant to modern slavery prevention. The purpose is continual improvement and stronger accountability.

Tree Surgeons Osterley remains committed to improving transparency and protecting the rights of workers across our business and supply chain. We will continue to strengthen due diligence, reinforce our zero-tolerance policy, and act decisively when concerns arise. By maintaining vigilance and high standards, we aim to ensure our services are delivered responsibly, ethically, and free from exploitation.