Fair Trade at the University of Leeds

Introduction to Fair Trade at the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union

At the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union (the “Fairtrade Partnership”), we’re proud to be recognised as a Fairtrade University, committed to promoting ethical consumption and supporting farmers and workers in developing countries.

Our Fair Trade initiatives are powered by a passionate community of students, staff, and partners, all working together to make a global difference through everyday choices.

As a Partnership, the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union collaborate on shared events and activities that embed Fair Trade principles across both organisations. The Sustainability Service within the University of Leeds leads on the Fairtrade award, working alongside teams from across the University and Union to champion fairness, transparency, and sustainability.

Championing ethical choices on campus

We’re proud to be a Fairtrade University, committed to making ethical choices part of how we work, buy, and learn. From embedding Fair Trade principles into our procurement processes to our Fair Trade Policy, we’re taking meaningful steps to support farmers and workers in developing countries.

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is a global movement that ensures better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. By choosing Fairtrade products, we help empower communities and promote sustainability.

Our Commitment

Joint statement on Fairtrade at the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union:

We are proud to be a Fairtrade university and have been since 2005. Along with Leeds University Union we sell Fairtrade foods in all shops and food outlets on campus and we're passionate about raising awareness of Fairtrade.

The Fairtrade label guarantees a better deal for disadvantaged producers in the developing world.

The Joint Statement on fairtrade at the University of Leeds and LUU can be found here: Joint Statement

Fair Trade Policy:

The new Fair Trade policy can be found here.

Fairtrade Steering Group:

As a Fairtrade University, the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union Fairtrade Partnership have a dedicated Fairtrade Steering Group that plays a key role in driving our ethical commitments forward.

The Steering Group provides a governance structure for Fairtrade activity across campus, contributing to strategic planning, event coordination, and the delivery of initiatives that promote Fair Trade values. Members also support the evidence gathering required to maintain and renew our Fairtrade Universities Award.

The group brings together representatives from the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union, including staff from catering, procurement, and retail, as well as academics, researchers, students, and other key stakeholders. This diverse membership ensures that Fairtrade is embedded across both operational practices and student-led activities, creating a whole-institution approach to ethical and sustainable action.

SMART Action Plan:

As part of our commitment to being a Fairtrade University, the Fairtrade Partnership has developed and published a SMART Action Plan to guide our Fairtrade work.

This plan outlines Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives that ensure our efforts are strategic, accountable, and impactful.

The action plan covers key areas including:

Operational practices, such as procurement and catering
Campaigning and influencing through events and advocacy
Engagement and communications to raise awareness across campus
Monitoring and evaluation to track progress and continuously improve

The SMART Action Plan is reviewed regularly by the Fairtrade Steering Group to ensure we stay on track and adapt to new opportunities for ethical impact.

Progress Updates:

2024 to 2026 progress update

Fairtrade accreditation:

We are officially recognised as a Fairtrade University as part of the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK’s Fairtrade University and College Award. This is in partnership with Leeds University Union. We have been a Fairtrade University since 2005 and for the 2022 – 2024 certification cycle, we were awarded with a 2-star award.