Staffordshire County Council - Fairtrade Policy Statement

This Council recognises the work of the Fairtrade Foundation in improving the conditions of farmers and communities in the developing countries, supports the principles promoted by Fairtrade and will work to achieve Fairtrade county status.  In doing so, we will work with the Council's providers, contractors and within the community to raise awareness and encourage the promotion and procurement of Fairtrade products.

Staffordshire County Council - Fairtrade Policy

The Council will:

• Serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at Council public meeting venues where the choice of beverage is already 'imposed' on customers, beginning with County Buildings' public meeting venues and encourage the Council's trading outlets providing beverages to provide Fairtrade beverage options. 
• Promote awareness of fair trade issues and make educational and publicity information available to Council employees, other local authorities and their employees, businesses, voluntary organisations, schools and local people, through the Council's own communications channels/publications and through its various partnerships and links, concerning the worldwide impact of unfair trade and the opportunities that Fairtrade provides to promote sustainable development.
• Develop the Council's procurement arrangements in regard to corporate social responsibility to include sustainability matters such as fair trade.
• Support initiatives that promote fair trade, such as 'Fairtrade Fortnight' and 'World Fairtrade Day'.
• Encourage local businesses and organisations (including the voluntary sector and charities) to apply for Fairtrade Friendly Accreditation by making available a Fairtrade Friendly Registration Scheme, including on the Staffordshire Web.
• Allocate responsibility to the Cabinet to lead on fair trade matters.
• Make appropriate arrangements for managing the implementation and outcomes of this Policy.  (The Corporate Policy Scrutiny Committee are to be responsible for monitoring the achievement of the Policy outcomes.)