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Fairtrade Policy

In line with Procurement policies on Corporate and Social Responsibility and Sustainability Durham University is committed to supporting, promoting and using Fairtrade goods.

To maintain Fairtrade status, as defined by the Fairtrade Foundation, the commitment of Durham University to the five goals is as follows:

  • The Fairtrade policies of both Durham University and Durham Students' Union will be reviewed on an annual basis. These policies will be agreed to at a senior level, will be available to all staff and students and will be adhered to in the procurement of Fairtrade products.
  • The process of maintaining Fairtrade status will be co-ordinated by the Fairtrade Steering Group, which meets on a quarterly basis. This group consists of academics, students and support staff. Links to the community will be maintained through the Durham City Fairtrade Partnership and Stockton Borough Council.
  • We already stock a wide range of Fairtrade products in our campus shops. These are reviewed annually by Retail.
  • Senior Category Managers or Category Managers will consider Fairtrade, if appropriate, as part of the planning process for each contract that they are responsible for tendering.
  • Products are reviewed through contract review meetings by Senior Category Managers or Category Managers in relation to the contracts that they are responsible for. Increased use of Fairtrade products are captured on contract improvement plans.
  • Fairtrade foods (as a minimum tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits) will continue to be served at all meetings hosted by Durham University and student bodies. External trade, e.g. conferences, will also serve Fairtrade lines, which will be formally identified to the attendees. This will be reviewed quarterly at a Fairtrade Catering Sub-Group.
  • Activities that high-light the importance of Fairtrade will be carried out during Fairtrade Fortnight and throughout the year, through internal communications and activities, and through collaborative work within the City of Durham in conjunction with Durham City Fairtrade Steering Group, and the Borough of Stockton in conjunction with the Stockton Borough Council Fairtrade Steering Group. Additionally, we will ensure that each college supports and promotes Fairtrade with a minimum of one event each year.

Approved by Fairtrade Steering Group 7th March 2013

This Fairtrade Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Date of next review: March 2014.