Twenty-two UK universities have gained Fairtrade status in recognition of their commitment to promoting ethical consumerism and pushing for fairer wages for farmers and workers.
The Fairtrade University and College Award has been awarded to UK universities and colleges championing Fairtrade since 2003, and this year’s cohort is the biggest yet.
The programme supports institutions to embed ethical and sustainable practices through their curriculums, procurement, research and campaigns and the Fairtrade University and College Award is jointly delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK.
Sarah Brazier, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “This year marks 30 years of Fairtrade products on shelves in the UK and sees our biggest ever cohort of universities taking part in the Fairtrade Universities scheme.
“We are so excited to continue our work with students across the UK, whether that is the universities that come back to voice their support year after year, or the newcomers to our campaign for change. We hope even more universities take part next year and continue to engage with and promote Fairtrade on their campuses.
“Our message to all the students who have taken part is congratulations on all your achievements and before you get cracking on next year, make sure you take a good rest, reward your team, and reflect on everything you’ve achieved this year!”
The Fairtrade Foundation believes its vision, of a world in which all producers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, can only be achieved by creating widespread understanding of the issues in global supply chains, and a sense of agency in every coffee drinker, chocolate lover and banana fan in the UK.
In 2024, 22 universities have received the award, with Bournemouth University receiving the highest level of 3 star award. A further 18 universities are working towards their awards, which will be audited in summer 2025.
In addition to the standard award, institutions can apply to take on optional criteria to achieve additional ‘stars’ for the award, ranging from 1 to 3 dependent on level of attainment. The award remains valid for two years.
Universities have carried out a range of activities including, increasing the range of Fairtrade products sold on campus to give students greater choice, to influencing and connecting with local campaign groups. Fairtrade Universities work to embed fair trade values throughout their institutions.
The universities who are part of the 2022-2024 cohort are:
Universities Awarded Three Star status
Bournemouth University
Universities Awarded Two Star status
University of Plymouth
Kingston University
University of Derby
University of Exeter
Glasgow Caledonian University
University of Leeds
Universities Awarded One Star status
Arts University Bournemouth
Cardiff Metropolitan University
University of Edinburgh
University of Birmingham
University of Greenwich
Coventry University
University of Cardiff
University of Oxford
University of St Andrews
University of Bradford
University with “Working towards status”
Durham University
Universities Awarded Fairtrade status
University College London
UWE Bristol
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
Registration for the next programme of Fairtrade University awards will open in the autumn and will run from September 2024- July 2026.
Sign up on our partner organisation SOS-UK’s website : Sign up for programmes
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For more information or high-res images, please contact Patricia.Mulenga@fairtrade.org.uk / Tel: +44 (0) 20 3655 5131
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK support universities and colleges to explore globalisation, trade, ethical consumption, and sustainability.
For more information, please visit Universities and Colleges – Fairtrade
About Fairtrade
Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in low-income countries.
Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organization representing 2 million small-scale farmers and workers in low- and mid-income countries. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark of Fairtrade that appears on more than 30,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations – including the Fairtrade Foundations – support producers, partner with businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future.
About SOS-UK
Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK) is a new educational charity created by students and staff at NUS in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis. They actively support students to be the change that society urgently needs, helping them learn, act and lead on sustainability.