FOSFA
Education
By the trade,
With the trade
Expert tuition for the trade by the trade
As part of our commitment to provide ongoing learning, we hold two globally recognised, week-long residential training courses which are open to our members and non-members involved in all aspects of the global supply chain.
The Introductory course will be held from Sunday 3 to Friday 8 September 2023 and is ideal for newcomers to the industry with minimal trade knowledge or experience.
The Advanced course will also take place in parallel with the Introductory course in early September in 2023 and is ideal for individuals with three or more years of trade experience.
Each course covers key subjects such as FOSFA contracts, supporting documents, dispute resolution, arbitration, shipping, trade finance, technical topics, case studies and group work.
Keynote speakers from the trade present the subjects and share their extensive knowledge and experience with delegates.
Courses takes place at The University of Greenwich situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the River Thames near to the centre of London. Lectures take place at the Old Royal Naval College campus, which has a lively atmosphere and is surrounded by historical landmarks and near to the centre of London.
Delegates will enjoy the university’s excellent facilities, including accommodation, gym and student union and the attractive town of Greenwich.
All meals are provided including a drinks reception and gala dinner.
Residential Courses at the University of Greenwich

Advanced Course: 3 - 8 September 2023
Our advanced course is aimed at those who have been working in the industry for at least three years and have experience of the oils, seeds and fats trading environment. Delegates attend lectures and work in groups to share their knowledge.
The course covers:
- Trade practices and regulations update
- Case studies
- Introduction to specialist managerial subjects
Cost for members: £1,200
Cost for non-members: £1,500
(VAT will be charged to UK companies only)
Download the brochure for more information.
The 2023 Course is now open for delegates to apply for a place. Please click below and complete the Delegate Application Form.
Introductory Course: 3 - 8 September 2023
Our introductory course gives an overview of the international trade in oils, seeds and fats and is ideal for those working in the industry who have minimal knowledge and experience in the trading environment.
The course covers:
- FOSFA contracts
- Contract documents
- Arbitration and dispute resolution
- Shipping
- Trade finance
- Technical matters
- Mock Arbitration
Cost for members: £1,200
Cost for non-members: £1,500
(VAT will be charged to UK companies only)
Download the brochure for more information.
The 2023 Course is now open for delegates to apply for a place. Please click below and complete the Delegate Application Form.

The Stuart Logan Bursary
In partnership with The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers, we provide The Stuart Logan Bursary. It provides four bursaries of £2,500 each every year, which help to cover the costs associated with attending one of our residential courses.
The bursary awards individuals who are in full-time employment with a FOSFA member or non-member company whose main activity is in trading, shipping, dealing, brokering, superintending or the analysis of oilseeds, oils or fats. The purpose of the award is to promote skills and knowledge excellence by enabling applicants to attend one of our courses.
The bursaries will be awarded at the end of April for the Introductory and Advanced courses taking place in September 2023. To apply, an official application form must be completed. This can be completed online (see link below).
Stuart Logan
Stuart Logan was Chief Executive and Secretary of FOSFA for 27 years from 1994 until his retirement in 2020 and only the second person to hold the post since the Federation was founded in 1971. Stuart was, and remains, a great advocate of our educational courses, and these bursaries are recognition of his long and dedicated service to FOSFA and his enthusiastic support for the value of education.
The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers
Tallow Chandlers is one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London, receiving its first Royal Charter in 1462. It engaged in tallow candle making and the trade of oils. It now uses the networks of trade, business and other associations it has built up over hundreds of years to support educational and charitable efforts, with particular emphasis on education and its strong links with the oil and edible fats industries. Our association with the company goes back prior to the founding of the Federation.
Bursary applications for 2023 are now closed.
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