University marks five-year milestone as a leader in ethical business

Posted on Monday 9 February 2026

Since joining in 2021 -  the first university in the country to receive accreditation for its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices - York has been a key advocate and research partner for the movement.

Fairness

The five year anniversary coincides with Good Business Week 2026 (9–13 February), which will see the University join a coalition of accredited organisations to push for fairness, sustainability, and ethical practices across the UK economy under the banner ‘Raising the Bar Together.’

The Good Business Charter (GBC) is the UK’s benchmark for responsible business. With 97% of the public wanting businesses to act responsibly, the Good Business Charter accreditation is a simple and effective way for an organisation to demonstrate its commitment to people and planet.

Over the past five years, significant milestones include:

• Helping the City become the UK’s first Good Business Charter City in June 2021.
• In 2024, the University’s School for Business and Society collaborated with the GBC to produce a landmark report exploring how ethical business practices contribute to organisational success.
• The University’s research was showcased at the GBC’s national anniversary event in London, receiving endorsement from senior government officials
• Through initiatives like the Sustainable Futures Forum and the FixOurFood programme, the University continues to bridge the gap between academic research and practical business application.

Community

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement at York, said: “Reaching this five-year milestone is a proud moment for our community. As a University for Public Good, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond the lecture hall and the campus. 

“By championing the Good Business Charter, we are ensuring that our economic and social footprint contributes to a fairer, more sustainable society for everyone.”

Launched as a charity in 2020 by Julian Richer, the Good Business Charter (GBC) defines what it means to be a responsible business, working to make ethical practices the accepted norm across UK organisations and helping to shape a fairer, more sustainable future. 

Julian Richer is the founder and owner of Richer Sounds and also became an honorary graduate of the University of York in January 2023.