Local community involvement

Many Traidcraft employees are actively involved in their local churches as well as other communities. However, we only list below community activities which were specifically supported by Traidcraft or set up by Traidcraft itself.

• Christine Borley initiated a programme with Durham Prison to rehabilitate offenders coming to the end of custodial sentences. This has resulted in prisoner placements completing 350 hours work in the Distribution Team at our Gateshead offices. This programme has been largely successful and will continue with other prisons in the region.
• Geoff Bockett (International Director) is an external PhD supervisor to both the impact assessment studies referred to in these social accounts. The Bangladesh and Malawi studies are based at Durham and Newcastle Universities respectively.
• Geoff Bockett sits on the steering committee of the Developing Areas Research Network based at Newcastle University. This is a network to encourage exchange of ideas on international development.
• Peter Collins (Traidcraft PR Manager during the year) has worked closely with the Gateshead Fairtrade steering group, which achieved Fairtrade status for the borough in 2006, and he also represents Traidcraft on the Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership.
• Paul Chandler (Chief Executive) sits on the Northern Group Board of the Institute for Public Policy Research.
• Paul Chandler has been involved for several years in encouraging initiatives to encourage Durham University to seek Fairtrade status, which was awarded in March 2007.
• Paul Chandler has been involved in a range of consultations undertaken by Gateshead Council relating to their long-term vision, making presentations in relation to sustainability agendas.
• Sally Thompson (Traidcraft Exchange Finance Manager) has been a non-executive trustee of local charity St Chad’s Community Project.
• Traidcraft has made donations amounting to £1,200 to Woodland Trust to support their activities in the North-East of England as part of its carbon offsetting payment.

Directors' Comment

Traidcraft is very proud of its North Eastern roots, which are a source of strength to our operations.

Engaging constructively with the local community is an important aspect of being a responsible employer, and we are pleased that we can we make some contribution both to Gateshead and the wider region.

We note that in addition to the interactions listed above, many of our staff do of course have significant involvement with their local communities.

Back to the people and environment pages.