The key values of the Scheme are:
- High-quality tree care.
- High-quality customer care.
- Compliance with current health and safety legislation.
- Compliance with the law.
- Good business practice.
The requirements of the AC Scheme can be simply defined as high-quality tree work, undertaken safely and legally, combined with high-quality customer care.
This document sets out the AC Scheme Standards – the standard against which an AC Applicant is assessed or reassessed. The Standards are reviewed annually and updated as required.
The Standards document should be considered in conjunction with the Association’s AC Handbook, available here: Approved Contractor Handbook.
The AC standards are broken down into four modules:
Note: Module 1 and Module 2 are assessed by an Association assessor visiting the contractors’ sites, yard and workshop. Specific requirements for Modules 1 and 2 may vary depending on Business Size.
Note: Module 3 and Module 4 (except Workplace Inspection) are assessed by the Association remotely (once the contractor has submitted the relevant evidence). These standards should be read in conjunction with the Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor Handbook.
Your support for the accreditation and all your efforts to maintain the highest standards are greatly appreciated.
We hope that these Standards are a useful resource and can answer most questions, but regardless of whether you are already an Approved Contractor (AC) or thinking of joining the Scheme, we are only an email or a phone call away: arbac@trees.org.uk, 01242 522152.