In 2002 a referendum took place which showed that our Union members were committed to Fairtrade products. From this time onwards the Union has worked towards providing Fairtrade products where possible, beginning with exclusively Fairtrade coffee and progressing to the point where the University of Sheffield and the University of Sheffield Union of Students were jointly recognised as a “Fairtrade University” in June 2004.
Achieving Fairtrade status means that the Fairtrade Foundation is satisfied that the two organisations are committed to Fairtrade and are meeting all of the five official goals.
Find out what Fairtrade really means and why it is important
Why isn’t everything sold in the Union Fairtrade?
Many products simply aren’t available in a Fairtrade format, or are difficult to source, but the Fairtrade University status recognises that we have made, and are continuing to make, significant steps towards stocking Fairtrade alternatives.
In some cases a Fairtrade product cannot be provided because of current contract obligations. The Union will always try to offer a Fairtrade option even in these cases, and will work towards Fairtrade products as soon as possible.
Find out what products can be certified by the Fairtrade Organisation
Find out what products are available in the Union
The five goals
The University of Sheffield and The University of Sheffield Union of Students are currently meeting all of the five goals, set out by the Fairtrade Foundation, as follows:
- The Students’ Association and the University authorities both create a Fairtrade policy incorporating these five goals.
- Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafes/restaurants/bars on campus. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use Fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as it becomes possible to do so.
- Fair Trade foods (for example, coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the University and the Student Union, and are served in all University and Student Union management offices.
- There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus.
- Set up Fairtrade Steering Group to meet at least once a term to reflect on the progress of each of these goals, and to decide how to go about continuing to excel in these goals.
Read the full policy signed by the University Vice-Chancellor and the Union President in June 2004
You can find out more about the Fairtrade Organisation at www.fairtrade.org.uk.
