Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Millbank

Tree Surgeons Millbank is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and any other form of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can exist in many forms, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that breaches our ethical standards.

Our commitment applies across all areas of the business, including tree surgery services, procurement, subcontracting, and the sourcing of materials and equipment. We expect everyone acting on behalf of Tree Surgeons Millbank to uphold the same principles. The role of our management team is to ensure that ethical conduct is embedded in daily decision-making and that concerns are handled seriously, promptly, and confidentially.

We assess risk by reviewing the nature of our work, the locations in which we operate, and the profiles of our suppliers and contractors. Tree surgery services may involve seasonal labour, transport, and multiple tiers of supply, so we remain alert to indicators of abuse, poor working conditions, or unlawful recruitment practices. Where necessary, we carry out due diligence before engaging new partners and continue monitoring existing relationships to reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Supplier Standards and Oversight

Our suppliers are expected to comply with applicable labour laws and to maintain transparent employment practices. As part of our oversight process, we conduct supplier audits on selected partners, focusing on wage records, working hours, identification practices, subcontracting arrangements, and evidence of lawful hiring. These checks help ensure that tree surgeons, seasonal workers, and support staff are treated ethically throughout the chain.

When a supplier is identified as presenting a higher risk, we apply enhanced review measures. These may include requesting policy documentation, confirming training records, or seeking written assurance that no worker is paying recruitment fees or being held under coercive conditions. If a supplier fails to meet our expectations, we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship. This approach supports our wider aim of keeping the Tree Surgeons Millbank modern slavery policy robust and effective.

We also seek to promote awareness among our team members so they can recognise signs of concern, such as restricted movement, withheld wages, intimidation, or unusual dependence on a third party. Early recognition is essential, and everyone involved in our operations is encouraged to remain vigilant when dealing with labour providers, subcontractors, and seasonal support arrangements.

Reporting, Response, and Review

Anyone working with or for Tree Surgeons Millbank is encouraged to raise concerns if they suspect exploitation or unethical conduct. Our reporting channels are designed to support safe disclosure, including the option to raise issues through management or designated internal safeguarding routes. Reports are handled discreetly, and no individual will suffer retaliation for speaking up in good faith. We take every concern seriously and investigate appropriately.

Where a concern is confirmed, we act swiftly to protect affected workers, escalate the matter to relevant decision-makers, and take corrective action. This may involve removing a supplier from approved status, strengthening controls, or working with partners to remedy failings where appropriate. We also record incidents and outcomes to improve our understanding of risk and to guide future prevention measures.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, practical, and aligned with legal and ethical expectations. The annual review considers audit findings, supplier performance, internal reports, and any changes in risk exposure. By revisiting our approach each year, Tree Surgeons Millbank reinforces its commitment to responsible practice and continuous improvement in preventing modern slavery.