University of Strathclyde Achieves Fairtrade University Status

That the Parliament congratulates the University of Strathclyde on achieving Fairtrade University status for the academic year 2020; notes that this award follows a student-led audit that was carried out in challenging and uncertain times; further notes that the Fairtrade Foundation works in conjunction with the National Union of Students and Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK); understands that, in order to award the Fairtrade University and College Awards, it requires students to engage significantly in social outreach, and to work collaboratively with one and other, and their institution, to achieve the award; commends the university students for the last 18 months of hard work that has led to this national recognition, noting that the criteria required in 2020 are more far reaching than the previous award, and provide a broader range of ways for the institution to engage with Fairtrade and ethical consumption; acknowledges that the award structure encourages partnership between sustainability, catering and academic staff in the institution plus the students’ union and students to cover procurement, awareness raising and campaigning activities; notes that, in order to confirm the achievements of the universities, students were recruited as volunteer auditors and given training, which equipped them with transferable skills and experience in conducting an audit, and wishes the University of Strathclyde and all those responsible for achieving this award every continued success in their hugely worthwhile and important work.