BU is focused on Fairtrade

25 November 2009

A Fairtrade sign at Bournemouth University

BU retains its Fairtrade University status for the fourth consecutive year.

BU has successfully maintained its status as a Fairtrade University for another year.

The Fairtrade Foundation praised BU’s progress over the last year in a number of key areas linked to the promotion of Fairtrade across the University.

In their feedback report, the Foundation praised BU for:

Maintaining and updating its comprehensive Fairtrade policy, and particularly the University’s commitment to incorporating Fairtrade into education and developing the students’ global perspective
The volume of Fairtrade goods, including food and clothing, available to staff and students which make a real impact on the lives of many producers and their communities around the world
Continuing to campaign on behalf of Fairtrade, holding thought-provoking events to inspire students, staff and the local community
Having a responsive and proactive Fairtrade Steering Group to drive success on Fairtrade throughout BU.

During the 2008/09 academic year alone, the University’s students, staff and visitors purchased over 144,600 cups of Fairtrade coffee, tea and hot chocolate across all food outlets on both of its campuses.

“We congratulate Bournemouth University for all their hard work, and we are delighted to renew the University’s official Fairtrade University Status,” said Sarah Jewell, Campaigns Manager for the Fairtrade Universities Initiative. “We wish the University every success in upholding these standards and encouraging future development to your campaign. Well done.”

Mike Riordan, Director of Human Resources at BU and Chair of the University’s Fairtrade Steering Group said: “BU is committed to Fairtrade and we’re very pleased that our status as a Fairtrade University has been renewed for the coming year.

“For us, achieving Fair Trade status is part of a University-wide strategy to ensure that students, graduates and staff develop as ‘global citizens'.”

BU was originally awarded Fairtrade status in 2006 and is now one of over 70 institutions across the UK recognised as Fairtrade Universities.

Christine Shiel, Director of the University's Centre for Global Perspectives, added: “Fairtrade status for BU is a positive symbol of institutional commitment to sustainable development, and education has an important role to play with respect to this agenda. We need to be leaders of change and BU should be at the forefront of that movement.”