As outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan 2012-2016, we strive to manage the procurement of goods and services in ways that maximise efficiency and effectiveness, while minimising social, environmental and other impacts. Fair trade procurement University and EUSA shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and catering services are committed to offering a wide range of Fairtrade products. EUSA shops stock a Fairtrade biscuits, chocolate, tea, coffee, fruit, juice, nuts, ice cream, snack bars, vegetables and wine, to name a few, plus University hoodies and t-shirts made with Fairtrade cotton. Accommodation Services in conjunction with Edinburgh First offer a wide range of Fairtrade foods and beverages for every kind of event, from business lunches to honorary banquets. They use Fair Trade Malawi rice which directly supports the education of children in Malawi. 100% of the tea, coffee and hot chocolate sold in EUSA (Edinburgh University Student Association) and Edinburgh First cafes and outlets is Fairtrade certified. Any hot drinks required for University conferences and events will also be Fairtrade. Fairtrade wine is available in some EUSA bars and can be requested for Edinburgh First catered functions. Fairtrade fruit juice is also available on tap to students and guests eating at the JMCC (John McIntyre Conference Centre), Pollock Halls. Fair trade rice from Malawi Worker Rights Consortium The University of Edinburgh has affiliated with the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). The WRC is an independent, non-political labour rights monitoring organisation, which makes efforts to collaborate with workers, non-governmental organisations, and other universities and colleges, to improve the conditions of workers in the garment industry. By affiliating with the WRC, the University recognises that along with its social responsibility and sustainable procurement policies, a code of conduct will consider issues such as wages, hours of work, overtime compensation, freedom of association, workplace safety and health, women’s rights, child and forced labour, harassment and abuse in the workplace and non-discrimination. We are advised current suppliers use International Labour Organisation standard and ethical codes. Worker Rights Consortium Fair Trade Public Procurement in Scotland briefing The Scottish Fair Trade Forum has published a briefing on Fair Trade Public Procurement in Scotland. This is a useful resource for procurement professionals, but also an insightful read for those interested in fair trade in Scotland. Guide to Fair Trade Public Procurement in Scotland This article was published on 2024-10-01
