Period Products - Statement on Exercise of Functions
With the funding made available by Scottish Government, the University of Edinburgh provides period products to all those who need them.
Period Products - Statement on Exercise of Functions
Background
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 (the “Act”) received Royal Assent on 12th January 2021 and related guidance was published by the Scottish Government in September 2021.
The Act requires the University of Edinburgh (the “University”), as an education provider in Scotland) to ensure that period products are obtainable free of charge by students during term time in each university building used by students.
The Act requires the University to publish this Statement on Exercise of Functions.
Current provision
- The University of Edinburgh provides period products to all students (and others on campus) who need them.
- The University recognises that not everyone who menstruates identifies as female. We ensure that everyone, including transgender men and non-binary individuals, can access products easily without having to enter an inappropriate toilet area. All period products are provided free of charge with a choice of single use and reusable products offered including single use pads, single use tampons and menstrual cups. The University offers different sizes and absorbencies of all products. Tampons are available in boxes to inform students of toxic shock syndrome.
- Products are freely available in all University buildings used by students throughout the year excluding when buildings are closed. The University has a map and a regularly updated list of locations where products are provided at this link: Access to free period products | The University of Edinburgh
- There is no limit to the number of period products a student can access.
- Students and staff can request product placement in locations not yet on our lists via periodproducts@ed.ac.uk
- Students have the option of having single use or reusable products delivered directly to their home in Scotland via Hey Girls
- Student consultation and engagement through focus groups, surveys and involvement of University sabbatical officers has been carried out to inform our provision of period products.
- Information on the scheme is communicated through student newsletters and social media.
- Provision of period products is regularly monitored and reviewed by the University’s Estates teams.
- Cleaning staff monitor and refresh stock regularly. Posters and product displays are exhibited throughout our campuses.
Our Commitment and future provision
In addition to the above, The University of Edinburgh is committing to:
- Expand the provision of period products to include supplies within foyers and entrance areas of our large student teaching buildings, and in the vicinity of ground floor toilet areas. Where space does not allow this, within all ground floor toilets, including male, female, accessible and gender neutral toilets.
- Continue to signpost toilets with products, and commit to signage in buildings directing students to products.
- Create an updated poster campaign for campus facilities with QR codes to Hey Girls.
- Target communications to our online students in Scotland
- Build period poverty awareness into the Let’s Talk campaign in collaboration with the Student’s Association.
- Commit to working with our current and new providers on providing even more sustainable options for students on campus.
- Continue to monitor, evaluate and build on service provision to ensure the campuses are places where everyone has easy access to products appropriate to their needs.
- We are not only committed to meeting all statutory obligations, but also to exploring additional provision in ongoing consultation with our students.