Fairtrade Policy 2018
What is Fairtrade? Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It s about supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities that have more control over their futures and protecting the environment in which they live and work. FAIRTRADE FOUNDATION, 2015
Purpose of the Policy Manchester Metropolitan University and The Union Manchester Metropolitan University have a responsibility to ensure our activities do not create adverse environmental and ethical impacts. This policy outlines our key commitments to incorporate ethical procurement practices into our business operations and supports the University s Environmental Sustainability Policy and Sustainable Procurement Policy, which aims to consider the whole-life costs of goods and services that give regard to economic, social and environmental impacts. In 2007, Manchester Metropolitan University gained Fairtrade accreditation from the UK s Fairtrade Foundation as a Fairtrade University. To maintain our Fairtrade accreditation, the University and The Union must demonstrate a commitment to five key goals as set out by the Fairtrade Foundation.
Our Policy Commitments Goal 1: The Fairtrade Steering Group A Fairtrade Steering Group will develop, co-ordinate and oversee the implementation of an action plan to maintain Fairtrade accreditation at the University and The Union. The steering group will consist of University and Union staff including academic, commercial services and catering representatives and representatives from the student body. Goal 2: Selling Fairtrade Products The University and The Union commit: To sell a range of Fairtrade food, drink and merchandise products in catering outlets, cafés, bars, shops and in vending machines. To explore the expansion of the range of Fairtrade products available for sale on Campus in catering outlets, cafes, bars, shops and in vending machines. Procurement of food and drink products Economic, social and environmental impacts will be considered when procuring food and drink products, particularly with regard to locality, season, origin, production methods and workers rights when determining whether Fairtrade Products should be offered on Manchester Metropolitan Campuses including the University s hospitality service.
Our Policy Commitments Goal 3: Hospitality Provision The University and The Union commit: To exclusively serve a selection of Fairtrade beverages and food at events, conferences and meetings through their hospitality services. To explore the expansion of the range of Fairtrade products available for consumption through their hospitality services. To source and provide alternatives to Fairtrade products where they are considered more appropriate. Goal 4: Communicate and Engage The University and The Union will deliver promotional and awareness campaigns, teaching, learning, research, and outreach activities to enhance understanding and raise awareness of Fairtrade consumption, products and trade justice, and to increase buy-in to Fairtrade products across Campus and in the community. Goal 5: Review and Report The Fairtrade steering group will review the Fairtrade Policy and report progress on its implementation annually at the Environmental Management Group and to the Estates, Facilities and Capital Development Senior Leadership Team.
Roles and Responsibilities Role Responsibility POLICY OWNERS Receive recommendations and approve policy amendments. ESTATES, FACILITIES & CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM FAIRTRADE STEERING GROUP Receive progress reports, provide feedback and support policy amendments. Receive progress reports, provide feedback and propose policy amendments. Develop, co-ordinate and oversee the implementation of an action plan to maintain Fairtrade accreditation. Review of the policy annually, report progress on the implementation of the policy to the Environmental Management Group and propose amendments to the policy. PROCUREMENT SERVICES Support and advise buyers across the University on social and environmental issues, associated with the goods and services they wish to procure. Act in an advisory capacity to establish a preferred procurement route for goods and services. STAFF EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GROUP Support the delivery of activities that increase understanding, raise awareness and buy-in to Fairtrade consumption, products and trade justice. Support and initiate the delivery of initiatives that increase understanding and raise awareness of Fairtrade consumption and trade justice amongst students. CATERING SERVICES STUDENTS Display Fairtrade promotional materials in catering outlets and cafes. Engage with the environmental sustainability commitments of the University by participating in extra-curricular opportunities.
Policy Owners Phil Scott, Head of Commercial Services, Manchester Metropolitan University Ben Collier, Head of Commercial Services, The Union Version 4 Author Name and Job Title Date EIA approved Approved date 2016 February 2016 Sophie Leigh Sustainability Engagement Manager Reviewed April 2018 Approved by (Board/ Committee) Head of Commercial Services (Manchester Metropolitan University) Head of Commercial Services (The Union)
Find out more about Fairtrade at Manchester Metropolitan University www.mmu.ac.uk/fairtrade This publication is available in alternative formats. Email: environment@mmu.ac.uk