Fairtrade

What is Fairtrade?

“Choosing Fairtrade is a simple way to make a difference to the lives of the people who grow the things we love.” www.fairtrade.org.uk/What-is-Fairtrade/What-Fairtrade-does

Fairtrade is about improving the livelihoods of the farmers and workers who grow the things we love by paying fair prices which reflect the true cost of production; enabling a decent standard of living. Fairtrade also encompasses social justice and sustainability, empowering farmers and workers to improve their living standards, the welfare of their community and our shared environment.

Fairtrade University & College Award Audits - Volunteers needed for 2025 audit!

Become an auditor for the Fairtrade University & College Award and help us monitor our progress towards Fairtrade University/College status!

Volunteer auditors conduct an audit of the university to review the efforts to embed and promote Fairtrade and wider ethical consumption. You will receive full training via Zoom, delivered by SOS-UK and the Fairtrade Foundation, where you will learn about trade justice issues and how they apply to the university/college, as well as develop professional and analytical skills. You will learn how to conduct an audit and then get the opportunity to conduct the audit of the university/college with other volunteer auditors.

The Zoom training and the audits will take place over two days. This is an 8-hour commitment - you will need to be available for the full two days to take part:

  • Wednesday 30th April, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm
  • Thursday 1st May, 10-12pm and 1pm-3pm

To find out more please see the full 2025 Fairtrade Award Auditor Role Description and apply through the short Fairtrade auditor application form, on or before the deadline of Thursday 10th April. You will hear back from us, if chosen, by 11th April.

University Commitment to Fairtrade

The University of Reading is committed to supporting, promoting and improving understanding of Fairtrade to provide a positive impact.

We are delighted to have been awarded Fairtrade University Two Star status in June 2023, which underlines our commitment. This status is valid for two years. 2 star Fairtrade University award logo

Please follow the links below to view the full content of the University of Reading's Fairtrade policy:

Fairtrade Policy 2021

Fairtrade Statement 2023-24
Fairtrade Statement 2024-25

The University of Reading Fairtrade Annual Progress Report and SMART Action Plan 2022/23
The University of Reading Fairtrade SMART Action Plan 2024/25

What are we doing to support Fairtrade?

  • We participate in Fairtrade Fortnight each year to raise awareness of fair trade.
  • All of our University Catering Outlets on Campus offer Fairtrade teas and coffees.
  • Where possible, Fairtrade products are available for sale in all of our University and Student Union Catering Outlets.

Fairtrade Steering Group

Our Fairtrade Steering Group was established in 2004 with the purpose of increasing consumption of Fairtrade products on campus, and improving knowledge and understanding of Fairtrade. The Steering Group is comprised of University Staff, Students and Representatives of Reading University Students Union. If you would like more information about the group, please contact Erin Cooper – erin.cooper@reading.ac.uk.

Steering group documents:
Autumn 2021 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes
Spring 2022 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes
Autumn 2022 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes
Spring 1 2023 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes
Spring 2 2023 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes
Autumn 2024 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes
Spring 2025 - Fairtrade Steering Group Minutes

Fairtrade Staff & Student Surveys

Fairtrade Staff and Student Survey Results 2022/23
Fairtrade Staff and Student Survey Results 2024/25

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The University of Reading is committed to supporting the SDGs - we were proud to score 3rd for SDG 12 and 27th for SDG 10 in THE rankings 2024. These scores reflect our commitment to Fairtrade.

Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings 2024, 3rd globally for SDG 12SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) focuses on the efficient use of resources and minimising waste. At present economic growth is causing environmental degradation - this is unsustainable, particularly if global population growth continues. This goal aims to increase resource efficiency, promote sustainable lifestyles and reverse environmental degradation.

Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings SDG 10 Reduced InequalitiesSDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) aims to reduce inequalities within and between countries. This goal covers inequalities due to income, age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.

 

 Skip to content