Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Sevenkings
Tree Surgeons Sevenkings is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child exploitation, and any other form of modern slavery within our business and supply chains. We recognise that the landscaping and arboricultural sectors can involve multiple suppliers, seasonal labour, and subcontracted services, which may increase risk. For that reason, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that undermines dignity, lawful employment, or safe working conditions.
Our commitment applies to every part of the Tree Surgeons Sevenkings operation, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. We expect all parties to act ethically and to comply with relevant labour, wage, immigration, and health and safety laws. The principles in this statement are embedded into recruitment, procurement, and day-to-day management, ensuring that ethical standards are not treated as a separate exercise but as part of normal business practice.
We assess slavery and trafficking risks by reviewing labour practices, work locations, subcontracting structures, and the origin of goods and services used in our work. Particular attention is paid to high-risk areas such as temporary labour, transport arrangements, and the sourcing of materials. Any indication of coercion, withheld documents, unsafe accommodation, or unlawful deduction of wages triggers immediate investigation. Where concerns are identified, we act quickly and decisively to protect workers and remove risk from our operations.
Supplier oversight is central to our approach. Tree Surgeons Sevenkings conducts supplier audits proportionate to risk, which may include document checks, labour-rights questionnaires, site visits, and reviews of subcontracting chains. These audits help us confirm that suppliers maintain lawful employment practices, pay workers appropriately, and prohibit exploitative arrangements. We also expect suppliers to provide truthful information about recruitment methods, worker welfare, and the use of labour agencies.
When a supplier falls short of our standards, we seek corrective action within a defined timeframe. If the issue is not resolved, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship. This requirement is reflected in our procurement decisions and supplier expectations, reinforcing that ethical conduct is not optional. By applying consistent oversight, we reduce the likelihood that our services contribute to exploitation at any stage of the supply chain.
Training and awareness are also part of our preventative work. Managers and relevant staff are instructed to recognise warning signs, including restricted movement, signs of intimidation, poor accommodation, unusual payroll patterns, and reluctance to speak freely. Vigilance is essential because modern slavery can be hidden behind apparently normal business arrangements. By keeping awareness high, we improve the chances of identifying and addressing problems early.
We provide clear reporting channels so that workers, suppliers, and colleagues can raise concerns in confidence and without fear of retaliation. Allegations may be made through internal management routes or through designated safeguarding processes, and all reports are handled seriously, discreetly, and promptly. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited. If a report suggests immediate danger, we will prioritise urgent protective action and escalate the matter through the appropriate legal or safeguarding steps.
Our response to suspected modern slavery is guided by a structured process: assess the risk, protect the individual, investigate the facts, and take corrective action. Where appropriate, we cooperate with law enforcement, labour authorities, or specialist support organisations. We also review whether our own policies or procurement decisions contributed to the risk, so that lessons are learned and embedded into future practice. This helps ensure the business remains alert, responsible, and accountable.
Annual review is an important part of our governance. Tree Surgeons Sevenkings reviews this statement at least once every year to confirm its effectiveness and identify improvements. The review considers audit findings, incident reports, supplier performance, staff awareness, and any changes in legal requirements or operational risk. Where needed, we update controls, strengthen monitoring, and refine our training. This ongoing review process supports continuous improvement and demonstrates our long-term commitment to ethical business conduct.
We believe that responsible arboricultural services depend on more than technical skill; they depend on trust, lawful practice, and respect for human rights. By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, carrying out supplier audits, providing secure reporting channels, and completing an annual review, Tree Surgeons Sevenkings actively works to prevent modern slavery in all forms. This statement reflects our continuing commitment to fair work, transparent operations, and a supply chain that upholds the highest standards of integrity.
Tree Surgeons Sevenkings will continue to strengthen its controls, expand awareness, and respond firmly to any concern that could place workers at risk. Our aim is to ensure that every person involved in our business is treated with dignity, protected from exploitation, and supported by a culture of accountability. Through consistent action and careful oversight, we seek to maintain a workplace and supply chain that are ethical, lawful, and free from modern slavery.