Presentation marks Fairtrade status for University

 

Dr Barbara Gwinnett, Dean of the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences, received a formal certificate at a special Fairtrade reception in the Mayoral Suite at the Civic Centre on Friday.

 

Hannah Reed from the Fairtrade Foundation presented the certificate, to Dr Gwinnett, along with new Mayor Councillor Christine Mills. She commended the University on its excellent application and the work that they are doing.

 

The University has worked closely with the City Council on Fairtrade initiatives and helped Wolverhampton become a Fairtrade city.

 

Dr Gwinnett is the University’s representative on the Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership and has been instrumental in achieving the status.

 

She said: “I am delighted that we have received Fairtrade status and were able to mark our achievement with colleagues from across the city.”

 

Several key criteria had to be met and the University also worked closely with the Catering Department and Students’ Union to achieve its goals.

 

Fairtrade products are sold in all University catering outlets and a new Fairtrade café recently opened at its Walsall Campus.

 

A formal Fairtrade policy was created and a special steering group set up, chaired by Dr Gwinnett and comprising members from a broad cross-section of University departments.

 

The University had to supply an audit of products sold in its outlets, as well as details of awareness events and initiatives, such as supporting Fairtrade Fortnight and holding seminars.

 

Dr Gwinnett said the next stage was to look at other products the University could use in addition to food and drink, such as Fairtrade cotton for catering and caretaking uniforms.

Picture:  Dr Barbara Gwinnett (R) receives the University of Wolverhampton’s official Fairtrade status certificate from Hannah Reed, of the Fairtrade Foundation, along with Wolverhampton City Mayor Councillor Christine Mills.

 

For more information please contact Emma Kilvert in the press office on 01902 322003.