The Open University signs up to Fairtrade Universities programme

The Open University has signed up to the Fairtrade Universities programme, marking an important step in our work to embed ethical and sustainable trade across the University. 

The programme, run by SOS-UK and the Fairtrade Foundation, recognises institutions that take meaningful action on Fairtrade through procurement, student and staff engagement, and curriculum and research activity. 

By joining the 2025–2027 programme, the OU will work towards its first Fairtrade Universities audit in April 2027. This will involve gathering evidence, developing a coordinated action plan, and working with students and colleagues across the University to demonstrate progress against the programme’s criteria. 

A new working group will bring together representatives from the Sustainability Office, catering, the Students Association, academic colleagues, student volunteers, procurement, and potential Go Green Champions. Together, they will help shape the OU’s Fairtrade activity and support delivery against the programme’s mandatory requirements. 

These include publishing a Fairtrade action plan, making a public commitment to champion Fairtrade and its values, running engagement activities around key Fairtrade dates, supporting student-led campaigns, increasing the availability of Fairtrade products, and reporting annually on progress. 

The programme will also support the OU’s wider sustainability work, including activity linked to leadership and strategy, campaigning, procurement, retail and catering, research and curriculum, outcomes, and innovation. 

Signing up to the Fairtrade Universities programme strengthens the OU’s commitment to responsible purchasing, ethical consumption and trade justice, while creating new opportunities for students and staff to get involved in practical sustainability action.