These policies are intended to provide transparency, reassurance, and clarity for clients, governors, and auditors.

Professional Independence & Contractor Neutrality

The consultancy operates on a strictly independent basis.

• I have no financial or commercial affiliation with tree contractors or maintenance companies
• I do not receive referral fees, commissions, or incentives for recommended works
• All advice and recommendations are provided solely in the interests of safety, compliance, and best practice

Contractor specifications are written to enable schools to appoint a contractor of their choosing, ensuring transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest.

This independence supports defensible, unbiased decision-making and aligns with duty of care principles.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy

I am committed to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure advice remains current, accurate, and aligned with evolving best practice.

This includes:

• Keeping up to date with arboricultural guidance, standards, and industry research
• Regular review of risk assessment methodologies
• Ongoing learning related to tree risk management, inspection, and duty of care
• Reflective practice based on professional experience and case outcomes

CPD activities are undertaken on a continual basis to ensure advice provided to schools remains robust, relevant, and defensible.

Data Protection & Confidentiality

All client information is handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

Key principles:

• Information is collected only where necessary to deliver services
• Data is stored securely and accessed only for legitimate purposes
• Client information is not shared with third parties without consent, unless legally required
• Reports and site information are treated as confidential

Personal data submitted via the website contact form is used solely for responding to enquiries and providing services.

Safeguarding Awareness

When working on school sites, safeguarding is a key consideration.

• Site visits are conducted professionally and appropriately
• Engagement with staff and site managers is undertaken with awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
• Advice and reporting focus on protecting pupils, staff, and visitors
• A bridging letter with my enhanced DBS details will be provided prior to site visits and I will bring a photo id with me to site

This consultancy recognises the importance of safeguarding culture within educational environments and conducts all work accordingly.

Health & Safety Commitment

All site visits and professional activities are undertaken with due regard for health and safety.

This includes:

• Dynamic risk assessment during site inspections
• Compliance with relevant health and safety legislation
• Consideration of site-specific hazards and school operational constraints

Scope of Advice & Professional Limitations

Advice provided is based on:

• Visual inspection and professional judgement
• Information available at the time of assessment
• Reasonable and proportionate arboricultural practice

Tree inspections are non-invasive unless otherwise agreed, and reports should be read as part of an overall site management approach rather than a guarantee of future tree performance.

Ethical Practice

The consultancy is committed to:

• Honest, clear, and proportionate advice
• Avoiding unnecessary or unjustified work recommendations
• Supporting schools in making balanced, defensible decisions
• Acting with integrity and professionalism at all times

Complaints & Feedback

Feedback is welcomed and taken seriously.

If a client has concerns about the service provided, they are encouraged to raise these directly so that they can be addressed promptly and professionally.

Policy Review

These policies are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain appropriate, accurate, and aligned with current professional practice.