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FOSFA
Education

For the trade,
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 FOSFA members and non-members involved in all aspects of the global supply chain.

The Introductory course will be held from Sunday 31 August to Friday 5 September 2025 and is ideal for newcomers to the industry with minimal trade knowledge or experience.  

The Advanced course will take place in parallel with the Introductory course from 31 August – 5 September 2025 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 are held 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 historic Old Royal Naval College campus, which has a lively atmosphere and is surrounded by historical landmarks and near to the centre of London. 

Delegates enjoy the university’s excellent facilities, including accommodation, gym and student union and the attractive town of Greenwich. 

The delegate fee also includes a Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.

 

Registration to attend the 2025 Courses will open in January 2025.  

Learn more about our residential courses

Introductory Course:
31 August- 5 September 2025

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 (less than three years) 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 Appeal


Cost for members: TBC

Cost for non-members: TBC

(VAT will be charged to UK companies only)

 Registration to attend the 2025 Course will open in January 2025.

Residential Courses at the University of Greenwich

Advanced Course:
31 August- 5 September 2025

This course is designed to update and enhance delegates on the latest FOSFA contracts and current trade practices. It also introduces several
management subjects including dispute and risk management and dispute avoidance.  

It provides a detailed understanding of compliance for the carriage of oils and fats from the perspective of a superintendent, a fascinating module on maritime fraud/piracy and detailed coverage of FOSFA arbitration including a group Case Study.

Ideal for those working in the trade for more than three years. 

Cost for members: TBC

Cost for non-members: TBC

(VAT will be charged to UK companies only)

.

 Registration to attend the 2025 Course will open in January 2025.

Register your interest in attending a FOSFA residential course
Get in touch

The Stuart Logan Bursary

In partnership with The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers, we provide The Stuart Logan Bursary. It provides six 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 2025. To apply, an official application form must be completed and returned by Monday 10 March 2025. 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 is 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 many years prior to the founding of the Federation.

 Bursary applications for 2025 will be go live in January 2025. 

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Source: FOSFA International Membership Survey Results 2021

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