What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is a growing, international movement working to ensure that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. Fairtrade addresses the unfairness of trade barriers, which traditionally discriminate against the poorest and weakest producers. Through the Fairtrade scheme, the world's poorest have the ability to improve their working conditions and make their lives better. For more information please visit the Fairtrade website.

By purchasing Fairtrade products such as Fairtrade tea, coffee or chocolate, you are making a significant change to the lives of the world's poorest. We are working together with our catering staff at the University of Westminster to increase the number of Fairtrade products that you can buy. Please look at the list below to see the products that we are currently selling. 

Fairtrade University status

The University of Westminster has been working hard to achieve Fairtrade status since February 2010.

The University of Westminster and University of Westminster Students Union assign great importance to their role within wider society and therefore commit to improving their social and environmental sustainability. As part of this, the University of Westminster wants Fairtrade awareness to be part of its educational mission and wants to increase student satisfaction through offering a wide-range of well-reputed products.

To be a Fairtrade university:

1. The Student Union (or equivalent) and the university or college authorities both create a Fairtrade policy incorporating these five goals.
2. Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafés/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.
3. Fairtrade foods (for example, coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the university or college and the Student Union (or equivalent), and are served in all university or college and Student Union management offices.
4. There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus.
5. A Fairtrade Steering Group is established.

Fairtrade steering group

Our Fairtrade steering group has representatives from the Westminster Students Union, student body, academia, catering contractors, local campaign groups and University departments. If you would like to come to our quarterly steering group meetings, please email Sustainability Officer, Andy Norris via A.Norris@westminster.ac.uk
If you would like to have a look at our terms of reference, our Fairtrade policy and minutes of meetings please get in touch with Andy Norris via A.Norris@westminster.ac.uk.

Latest Updates

If you have any questions or would like to come along to the next meeting of the Fairtrade steering group, please send an email to sustainability@westminster.ac.uk.