A performance monitoring system is in place to uphold the professional standards of registered tree management personnel. If you wish to report non-performance or misconduct of any registered personnel, please submit the complaint to the Tree Management Personnel Registration Unit, the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau (the "Registration Unit") using the "Complaint Form" or online E-form.
The Registration Unit would refer complaint involving the breach of code of conduct of registered tree management personnel to the Disciplinary Panel. The Disciplinary Panel would review relevant cases, conduct inquiries if necessary, make decisions on demerit points, and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions.
Any complainant or defendant who disagrees with the Disciplinary Panel’s decisions may submit an appeal using the “Appeal Request Form” or online E-form to the Appeal Board through the Registration Unit for a review of the case. The Appeal Board’s decision is final.
Both the Disciplinary Panel and Appeal Board consist of three members from stakeholders of the arboriculture and horticulture industry.
A demerit point system is established to monitor the performance of registered personnel through investigation and hearing mechanisms. In handling each disciplinary case, the Disciplinary Panel will comprehensively take into account the professional thinking and judgement of the registered tree management personnel involved, as well as the seriousness and frequency of breaches of the code of conduct. Details of the demerit point system are as follows:
| Breach of Code of Conduct | Demerit Points to be Incurred |
|---|---|
| I. Applicable to All Registered Tree Management Personnel | |
| Perform duties beyond the professional competence, qualifications or scope of registered personnel type | 10 |
| Fail to discharge responsibilities with integrity, honesty and impartiality | 10 |
| Fail to report the use of incorrect or misleading information, or any inappropriate professional conduct or unethical, illegal or unfair professional practice, to the Registration Unit | 10 |
| Fail to deliver tree-related work in accordance with legislations, policies, guidelines on tree management in Hong Kong, and contractual requirements | 10 |
| II. Applicable to Registered Arborists, Tree Risk Assessors and Tree Work Supervisors | |
| Fail to exercise independent professional judgement | 10 |
| III. Applicable to Registered Tree Climbers and Chainsaw Operators | |
| Fail to follow instructions to deliver safe and quality tree work | 10 |
Note:
1. Every registered personnel start with zero demerit points.
2. Demerit points are incurred for a breach of the Code of Conduct, effective from the date of the Disciplinary Panel’s ruling.
3. Demerit points are counted cumulatively. All new demerit points incurred will be added to an individual’s existing total.
| Accumulated Points | Types of Disciplinary Action |
|---|---|
| 10 | To issue an advisory letter |
| 20 | To issue a warning letter |
| 30 | To post a public reprimand on the scheme’s website |
| 40 | To suspend the registration status for one year |
| 50 | To terminate all registrations under the scheme (new application will only be accepted after three years) |
Note:
1. The demerit points incurred for a breach of Code of Conduct will be valid for three years, and will be deactivated after three years from the date of ruling of Disciplinary Panel.
2. If registered tree management personnel is subject to public reprimand, suspension of registration status and termination of all registrations, the related information will be published at the register for three years.