Modern Slavery Statement for Tree Surgeons Victoria

Tree Surgeons Victoria is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and transparency. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that tree surgery services, arboriculture support, equipment supply, transport, and subcontracted labour can carry risks if proper checks are not maintained. Our approach is grounded in zero tolerance for forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child labour, servitude, and any exploitative practice that undermines human dignity.

We apply this commitment across all areas of the business, including procurement, staff engagement, subcontracting, and project delivery. Every person working with or for Tree Surgeons Victoria is expected to uphold ethical conduct and to act in a way that supports safe, fair, and lawful working conditions. Our tree surgeon Victoria operations are built on responsible decision-making, and we expect the same standard from suppliers, contractors, and service partners.

To make these principles practical, we maintain clear internal controls and set expectations from the outset of every business relationship. This includes contractual clauses requiring compliance with labour laws, documentation checks where appropriate, and escalation processes if concerns arise. We also review high-risk categories such as labour hire, cleaning, catering, transport, and imported goods linked to our Victoria tree surgeons supply chain.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our zero-tolerance policy means that modern slavery is unacceptable in any form. If a risk, allegation, or indicator of exploitation is identified, we will investigate promptly and take proportionate action. This may include suspension of work, removal of a supplier, notification to relevant authorities, or other corrective measures. We do not knowingly engage with any party that benefits from coercion, deception, restricted movement, withheld wages, or unsafe accommodation linked to labour exploitation.

We expect all employees and contractors involved in tree surgeon Victoria activities to remain alert to warning signs such as inconsistent pay practices, lack of control over personal documents, intimidation, excessive working hours, or workers who appear unable to speak freely about their employment. Training and awareness activities reinforce these indicators so that our people can make informed decisions and act responsibly.

Our management team supports a culture where ethical conduct is not optional. Supervisors and project leaders are required to consider human rights risks when planning work, appointing subcontractors, or approving suppliers. This includes careful selection of labour providers, structured onboarding of new vendors, and routine follow-up where the nature of services presents a higher risk profile.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier due diligence is central to our strategy. We carry out proportionate supplier audits and reviews based on risk, sector, geography, and type of service. These audits may include examination of company registrations, labour policies, payroll processes, right-to-work records, subcontracting controls, and evidence of compliance with applicable workplace standards. Where relevant, we request confirmation that workers are employed voluntarily and that wages, hours, and conditions meet legal requirements.

High-risk suppliers may be subject to additional checks, including site visits, document sampling, and follow-up conversations to confirm that workers are treated fairly. Where a concern is identified, we will require a corrective action plan with clear deadlines and monitoring. Persistent non-compliance may lead to termination of the relationship. These measures help protect the reputation and resilience of Tree Surgeons Victoria while supporting ethical practice throughout the supply chain.

We also encourage transparency by asking suppliers to disclose their own labour standards, subcontracting arrangements, and any known risks in their upstream networks. This approach supports continuous improvement and helps us maintain a responsible modern slavery risk management framework across the broader arboriculture and service ecosystem.

Reporting Channels and Review

Anyone who becomes aware of a suspected breach, unethical conduct, or a possible modern slavery concern may report it through internal management channels. Reports are treated seriously, handled confidentially where possible, and assessed without retaliation against the reporting person. We encourage prompt reporting so that concerns can be investigated early and addressed before harm escalates.

All reports are reviewed by appropriate management personnel, and findings are recorded to support accountability and learning. Where needed, we may involve legal or specialist advice to ensure our response is proportionate and effective. Tree Surgeons Victoria is committed to ensuring that workers, suppliers, and contractors can raise concerns safely and that genuine issues are acted upon in a fair and timely manner.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with changes in legislation, business operations, and supply chain risk. The annual review considers audit outcomes, reported concerns, training needs, and any improvements required to strengthen our controls. Through this ongoing process, Tree Surgeons Victoria reinforces its commitment to ethical practice, responsible procurement, and the prevention of modern slavery in all its forms.