Fairtrade

The University has been accredited by the Fairtrade Foundation since 2007. In 2019 we began working towards becoming a Fairtrade University with the Fairtrade Universities and Colleges Award. In 2024 we received the Fairtrade University Award 'working towards' from the NUS and Fairtrade Foundation. We are also working with the Carbon Trust, to understand the impacts of our supply chain and Scope 3 carbon emissions.

The Fairtrade Steering Group has evolved into the new Sustainable Procurement Group, and our updated Sustainable Procurement Policy reflects the University's commitment to the Fairtrade Award and to reducing supply chain emissions.

Richard Adams, a fair trade pioneer and founder of Traidcraft, was a student at St John's College in the 1960s. This tradition of supporting Fairtrade is continued within the University today.

The University also hosts a schedule of Fairtrade events which take place throughout the year, including a range of activities in support of Fairtrade Fortnight.