Issue - meetings

The Board received a scoping report setting out work required to achieve Fairtrade status for the borough, granted by the Fairtrade Foundation. Encouraging the sale of Fairtrade products aimed to contribute to the tackling of poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal. It was proposed that a local Fairtrade steering group be established to progress the agenda including representation from HSP partners and at a community level.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of progress implementing the agenda since the resolution to support Fairtrade was passed by Full Council in 2003 and the relatively unambitious targets outlined, particularly in relation to engaging local shops. Confirmation was provided that the goals identified constituted a minimum standard and that project management at the lead of the steering group would progress development of the agenda including revising targets based on research. In response to a query as to whether the existing partnership structure could be used to progress the project, it was confirmed that establishing a dedicated group was a requirement for the award of Fairtrade status.

RESOLVED:

·      That the Better Haringey Programme Manager liaise with John Wood from St Ann’s Church Tottenham regarding providing names of individuals from faith groups potentially interested in involvement with the Fairtrade steering group.

·      That the Better Haringey Programme Manager contact representatives from SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education) regarding the potential for involvement with the Fairtrade steering group.

·      That a letter from the Chair of the Board be sent to the Chairs of the other thematic partnership boards of the Haringey Strategic Partnership seeking nominations for representatives to sit on the Fairtrade steering group.