Posted on 9 February 2026

The University of York proudly celebrates five years of its accreditation to the prestigious Good Business Charter.

The University helped the City become the UK’s first Good Business Charter City in June 2021.

Since its remarkable achievement in 2021 as the inaugural university to receive accreditation, the University of York has committed itself relentlessly to ethical and sustainable business practices. It has become a pivotal advocate within the Good Business Charter movement and has actively contributed valuable research to bolster these initiatives.

Achievements in Ethical Business Practices

Fairness at the Core

The five-year anniversary aligns with Good Business Week 2026, scheduled from 9–13 February. During this week, the University will proudly align itself with a robust coalition of accredited organizations dedicated to enhancing fairness, sustainability, and responsible business practices throughout the UK economy—all under the meaningful banner of ‘Raising the Bar Together.’

The Good Business Charter, often referred to as GBC, serves as a benchmark for responsible business practices in the UK. Remarkably, a survey shows that 97% of the general public desires businesses to act in a socially responsible manner. Achieving GBC accreditation provides a straightforward and effective means for organizations to showcase their commitment to the well-being of people and the health of our planet.

Over the last five years, the University has celebrated several milestones, such as:

• Playing an instrumental role in helping the City achieve recognition as the first Good Business Charter City in June 2021.
• In 2024, the University’s School for Business and Society collaborated closely with the GBC to deliver a groundbreaking report on the interplay between ethical business practices and overall organizational success.
• The research output was prominently featured during the GBC’s national anniversary event held in London, receiving notable endorsements from high-ranking government officials.
• Through initiatives such as the Sustainable Futures Forum and the FixOurFood programme, the University effectively bridges the gap between academic research and practical business applications.

Community Engagement and Responsibility

Professor Kiran Trehan, who serves as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships, and Engagement at York, commented on this pivotal milestone: “Celebrating this five-year achievement is a moment of immense pride for our community. As a university dedicated to serving the public good, we fully understand that our responsibilities extend far beyond the classroom and campus boundaries.”

“By actively championing the Good Business Charter, we assure that our economic and social impact contributes positively to creating a fairer and more sustainable society for all stakeholders involved,” she added.

The Good Business Charter, launched as a charity in 2020 by entrepreneur Julian Richer, sets a clear standard for what it means to be a responsible business. It has been instrumental in promoting ethical practices as the new normal across UK organizations and is actively shaping a just and sustainable future.

Julian Richer, the founder and owner of Richer Sounds, was honored as an honorary graduate of the University of York in January 2023, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with influential figures in the business community.

Enhancing Understanding Through AI legalese decoder

To further support its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, the University recognizes the importance of clear communication in legal matters. The AI legalese decoder is an innovative tool that assists organizations in translating complex legal jargon into accessible language. This technology ensures that all stakeholders, including students, employees, and community members, can easily understand the implications of legal agreements and policies.

By employing the AI legalese decoder, the University can enhance transparency and foster a culture of informed decision-making. This aligns perfectly with the principles of the Good Business Charter, as it amplifies the commitment to fairness and ethical practices within not only its own operations but also the broader community.

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