Period Products - Statement on Exercise of Functions

The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 12th January 2021.

The Act requires independent schools to ensure period products are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them during term time on their premises.  It is the world’s first legislation to make it mandatory for all independent schools to provide sanitary products for menstruation.

The Act states: 
Everyone in Scotland who menstruates should have reasonably convenient access to period products, free of charge, as and when required.

We must make products reasonably easy to obtain, we must try to ensure dignity is preserved and respected and offer a reasonable choice of types of products (1 type of tampon, 1 type of sanitary pad and 1 reusable product).

Recipients should not be required to ask for products, justify why they need them, or any limit placed on the number of products recipients can receive. Independent schools have a duty to make period products available free of charge for anyone who needs them, and in their role as education providers, make period products available at no cost in school buildings.

Schools are also required to publish a Statement on how they will exercise their functions under the Act. The statement must be prepared in consultation with relevant individuals, groups, and organisations.