Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Millhill

Tree Surgeons Millhill is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out our approach to preventing slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the tree surgery industry can involve diverse suppliers, subcontractors, seasonal labour, transport providers, and equipment vendors, which means vigilance is essential at every stage.

Our zero-tolerance policy is clear: no form of modern slavery is acceptable in any part of our business. This applies to our employees, agency staff, subcontractors, and suppliers. We expect everyone working with Tree Surgeons Millhill to uphold the same ethical standards and to act responsibly, lawfully, and transparently. Any breach of this policy may result in immediate termination of the business relationship and, where appropriate, notification to the relevant authorities.

We carry out risk-based due diligence to help identify and reduce exposure to labour exploitation. Before engaging new suppliers, we review their ownership, labour practices, and compliance history. Higher-risk relationships may be subject to enhanced checks, including supplier audits, document reviews, and confirmation of right-to-work procedures. We also expect suppliers to maintain accurate employment records and to demonstrate that wages, working hours, and welfare arrangements meet legal requirements.

Our Commitment to Responsible Operations

Tree Surgeon Millhill understands that meaningful prevention starts with awareness. We provide internal guidance to help managers and team leaders recognise warning signs such as withholding of identity documents, restricted movement, debt bondage, intimidation, or workers not being paid properly. Staff are encouraged to remain alert during day-to-day operations, especially when working with labour-only subcontractors or when using third-party service providers in logistics and grounds maintenance.

Reporting channels are a key part of our safeguarding framework. Any worker, contractor, or supplier who suspects exploitation can raise concerns through internal reporting routes without fear of retaliation. Reports are treated seriously, handled confidentially where possible, and investigated promptly. We believe that a strong speak-up culture helps Tree Surgeons Millhill identify risks early and respond before harm escalates. Where concerns are substantiated, we will take appropriate action, which may include suspension of work, corrective measures, or termination of contracts.

Our procurement approach reinforces ethical conduct from the outset. Tree Surgeons Millhill seeks to work with suppliers who share our standards and who can evidence fair recruitment, safe working conditions, and responsible subcontracting. We ask new and existing suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded, or child labour. If a supplier cannot meet these expectations, we will not proceed with the relationship. This is part of our wider commitment to responsible sourcing and transparent operations.

Training, Monitoring, and Governance

Training is an important safeguard in maintaining awareness across the business. Relevant employees receive information on how modern slavery can appear in practice and how to respond to concerns appropriately. Managers are reminded that ethical labour practices are not optional and that commercial pressure must never override human rights. Through this approach, Tree Surgeons Millhill strengthens its ability to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable workers.

We also monitor our business partners on an ongoing basis. Supplier audits may be scheduled or, where needed, triggered by risk indicators such as unexplained labour turnover, inconsistent payroll data, or reluctance to share documentation. These audits help confirm that suppliers are meeting our standards and legal obligations. Where weaknesses are found, we will expect corrective action within a reasonable timeframe and will reassess the relationship if progress is not made.

Annual review is built into our governance process to ensure this statement remains effective and up to date. Each year, Tree Surgeon Millhill reviews its policies, supplier management processes, training needs, and reporting mechanisms to reflect changes in legislation, business activity, and risk exposure. This review may lead to strengthened controls, improved audit criteria, or additional staff awareness measures. In this way, our commitment is not static; it is continuously refined to support ethical and lawful practice.

Our Ongoing Responsibility

Tree Surgeons Millhill recognises that eliminating modern slavery requires sustained attention, robust standards, and consistent action. We will continue to embed respect for human dignity into our decision-making, supplier selection, and operational oversight. By maintaining clear expectations, regular monitoring, and prompt reporting pathways, we aim to reduce risk and promote accountability throughout our supply chain.

We are dedicated to reviewing concerns, improving controls, and acting decisively where unacceptable practices are identified. This modern slavery statement reflects our ongoing responsibility as a business and our determination to prevent exploitation in all forms. Tree Surgeons Millhill will continue to uphold these principles across every part of our work.