Statement of Intent: Period Products Act

Since 2018, Dundee and Angus College have been delivering on the Scottish Government's requirement to provide access to free sanitary products in schools, colleges, and universities, to support equality, dignity and rights for those who menstruate, and to ensure that lack of access to products does not impact on an individual’s ability to fully participate in education at all levels.

At Dundee and Angus College, we know that student well-being and wellness are paramount to a positive college experience. We are fully committed to student care and work hard to educate and empower our students throughout their learning journey. Ending period poverty is an important strand in this work, and The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 has given us a platform to provide accessible, free products to all students who need them. In addition, we have utilised the funding to develop education resources, believing that education is the fundamental solution to ending period poverty.

Since the announcement in 2018 for colleges to provide products to those in need, Dundee and Angus College has worked bravely and innovatively to create a sector-leading and truly impactful service, gaining recognition at the national Green Gown Awards recognising exceptional sustainability initiatives and the Scotland-wide College Development Network Awards where we were highly commended in the Sustainability Action category.

Statement of Intent

This is the Dundee and Angus College Statement of College-Based Provision, based on dedicated future funding from the Scottish Government:

Dundee and Angus College believes that no student's education should be negatively impacted by period poverty. On campus, we will provide products, education and an inclusive environment free from embarrassment, judgment or concern. In our communities, we will work in partnership to develop a regional and sustainable legacy.

We will do this through:

• Providing a range of free and fully accessible sanitary products across all campuses throughout the entire year, regularly reviewing our service;
• Creating an environment in which students can openly and honestly initiate or engage in discussions about periods and menopause, whether they or someone they are supporting is experiencing symptoms;
• Creating learning opportunities where students can enhance their knowledge and understanding;
• Providing advice and information to key staff about the symptoms of periods and menopause and how they can best support students who may be experiencing issues whilst at college;
• Working side by side with community partners, contributing to the local and regional efforts in eradicating period poverty.

Consultation & Engagement

At every stage, our Period Positive project has been service designed with students, staff and community partners to ensure a fully inclusive, accessible and engaging offer.