Transform Trade

Who we are

Transform Trade works with producers and workers to create a just and sustainable trading system in which everybody benefits. We invest in and support producer businesses and social enterprises who are modelling alternative ways of doing business that bring a positive impact to their community and contribute to the regeneration of our fragile earth. Together, we advocate for fairer trade policies, practices and systems that recognise and respect the needs and rights of producers and workers

Our culture and values

Justice-seeking

We believe in justice for all people. The global trade system and legacy of colonialism has resulted in power and wealth being concentrated in the hands of a few. Wherever possible, we take our lead from people with direct experience of injustice in trade, and work together as a global community for trade that values people over profit. We work with communities who have done least to cause global climate change and yet are suffering the most.

People-centred

We believe in the value and dignity of all people. Trade and business can generate wealth, support livelihoods and enable people to thrive. But trade cannot be an end in itself, and needs to be transformed so that everyone benefits. Together we speak and act with communities who are facing the devastation caused by climate change and environmental destruction. Within our organisation, we value the contribution of each of the people who works with us. We are striving to be an inclusive organisation where we celebrate diversity and all feel welcome and included.

Accountable

We believe that we are accountable to the people who make our work possible – the partners and communities with whom we work, as well as the people and organisations who entrust us with their money. This accountability goes far beyond the legal and financial requirements for truthfulness, accuracy and probity. Because we are accountable, we will speak out when we see injustice, and will challenge governments and businesses when we need to. We will be prepared to pay the price by not necessarily accepting donations from organisations which we believe to be acting in contradiction to our values. Accountability also means that we will be honest with communities and supporters about what we can and cannot do, and about our failures as well as our successes. When people share their stories with us or agree to be photographed or videoed, we will strive to use those materials respectfully and truthfully. Being accountable means acknowledging our own power as an organisation which was founded in the global north, benefits from northern funding and is predominantly English-speaking. We will actively seek to shift power to the communities with whom we work, recognising that this process will be long term and on-going. As a staff team, we seek to create and nurture a culture of respect, honesty, openness and freedom to challenge. As far as possible we will seek to decentralise decision-making so that our internal practices mirror what we seek to do externally.

Collaborative

We believe  in the power of working with others. Transform Trade is a small organisation with huge ambitions which cannot be achieved alone. We know that we do not have all the answers, and the communities and partners with whom we work are the experts in the problems they face and the solutions they need. Together, we need to listen and support their priorities, and challenge the imposition of ‘top down’ solutions. As well as local communities, we also partner with businesses and non-profit organisations around the world. Sometimes we will engage with organisations which do not share our values because by doing so we can bring about change. [CT1] Our belief in honesty and accountability means we will never shy away from challenging our partners if we believe it is right to do so.

Hopeful

We have hope – and we are determined to have an impact and make a difference. While we are honest about the state of the world – where millions of people pay the price for the wealth of others – at the same time we will not give up on our belief that a better world is possible. We see the problems, but focus on the solutions. We are prepared to critique governments and businesses, but will also work with them to bring about the change we seek. Many of the problems we address are deep-seated in the way the world is now. Their roots go back to the legacy of colonialism and racism, and they are exacerbated by runaway global capitalism. We know these issues will not be changed overnight or even in a few years. But we are determined to see change and so we continue, working with others, to look for solutions and support change over the long term. We believe that all people and systems can be changed for the better, and will never stop seeking ways to transform trade so that everyone benefits.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We are committed to equality and provide a diverse and  inclusive workplace