The Fairtrade University and College Award, delivered in partnership with the Fairtrade Foundation, gives recognition to institutions that have embedded ethical and sustainable practices through their curriculum, procurement, research and campaigns.

All large organisations have large environmental and social impacts – positive and negative. The biggest impact a university or college has is its graduates. The students enrolled in universities and colleges are at a pivotal time in their lives for forming their values and shaping their future habits. By encouraging students to explore their understanding of the social and environmental impacts of their decisions, and making ethical and sustainable the norm, institutions can have a hugely positive impact.

• A broad range of themes and actions in the award criteria, offering opportunity for deep engagement across a broad range of areas.
• Tiered award levels to enhance scope for continual improvement and long-term engagement.
• Scope for recognition of wider ethical sourcing and trade justice efforts beyond Fairtrade certified products.
• Support from SOS-UK and Fairtrade. Resources, tools and support to ensure universities and colleges can make the most of their participation and achieve their goals.
• Scope for measuring impact: Through SOS-UK’s programme of student surveys and database of over 700k students, monitoring will show the impact the award scheme is having on attitudes, understanding and ethical consumption and sourcing practice in the HE and FE sector.
• Building a network of partnerships is also central to the award and enables collaborative approaches to larger national and international responsible trade and consumption campaigns
• A comprehensive audit, led by trained student auditors through SOS-UK’s highly successful student auditor programme.

Please visit the Fairtrade University and College Award website for further information about the programme as well as resources and information to support Fairtrade on your campus.

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