About the University

Bournemouth University: A Fairtrade University

Bournemouth University has been awarded Fairtrade University Status by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Being a Fairtrade University means making a detailed commitment to promoting the consumption of Fairtrade products.

What is Fair Trade?

The International Federation for Alternative Trade's (IFAT) definition of Fairtrade is:

'Fairtrade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers. Fairtrade organisations are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.'

The goals of Fairtrade are:

To improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of producers by improving market access, strengthening the producer organisations, paying a better price and providing continuity in the trading relationship.
To promote development opportunities for disadvantaged producers, especially women and indigenous people, and to protect people from exploitation in the production process.
To help consumers exercise their purchasing power positively, by raising their awareness of the negative effects of international trade on producers.
To set an example of partnership in trade through dialogue, transparency and respect.
To campaign for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
To protect human rights by promoting social justice, sound environmental practices and economic security.

Source: International Federation for Alternative Trade

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Fair Trade at Bournemouth University

To be awarded Fairtrade Status the University had to achieve five goals:

Approve an official Fair Trade Policy
Set up an institutional steering group
Commit to selling Fairtrade products in all University outlets
Commit to using Fairtrade products at internal meetings and events
Commit to campaigning for increased consumption

A steering group, chaired by Mike Riordan, Director of HR, was established in September 2005 and meets termly.

Members of the group include:

Mike Riordan, Director of HR (chair)
Chris Shiel, Director, Centre for Global Perspectives
Amanda Williams, Environmental Officer
Ricky King, Catering Manager, Scolarest
Alan James, General Manager, Students' Union
Crispin Farbrother, School of Services Management
Simon Thomas, School of Services Management
Richard Gerrard, Students' Union Commercial Manager
Lucy McQuillin, Internal Communications Advisor
Charles Elder, Press & PR Manager
SU President
Louise Boston-Mammah, DEED

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A Fair Trade Policy (PDF 57KB) was developed by the Steering Group, approved by the Vice Chancellor in January 2006 and further endorsed by Senate in February 2006, when it became University policy.

All shops, cafés and refectories on campus now sell a wider selection of Fairtrade products and Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar have been served at internal meetings since October 2005.

Various events and activities have taken place on campus, including events to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, and the University’s bid to achieve Fairtrade Status has been covered in both internal and external publications. The Fairtrade logo is highly visible in various places around campus, including the re-branded library café, which is now a Café Direct Fairtrade Café, and on the hospitality trolleys.

But the award of Fairtrade University Status is just the beginning. For the University's status to be retained, the steering group must develop the goals and report to the Fairtrade Foundation on progress at the end of every academic year.

If you would like to comment on the University achieving Fairtrade Status please email the Fairtrade inbox - Fairtrade@bournemouth.ac.uk

Photo credits: 'The Fairtrade Foundation'

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