Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 - University Statement of Intent
In response to the Scottish Government Period Poverty initiative to provide free sanitary products to all students Robert Gordon University have provided a range of products in each of the female and accessible toilets in the teaching buildings across the campus. In addition, students can obtain these free of charge through the Student Union website; either to be picked up at the Union’s reception or delivered to any address in the UK.
Discussions were held with other Scottish Universities to gauge the various proposed methods of distribution. When deciding on the method of distribution, consideration was also given to anonymity for the students collecting the products.
On-Campus Provision
85 toilets across 5 teaching buildings have been provided with drawer units containing a selection of regular and super towels and tampons (applicator and non-applicator). The drawer units are checked daily and refilled by the cleaning staff in each building. The cleaning staff complete stock sheets on products used for the purpose of stock control, ordering and analysis.
Online Provision
Students are able to ‘purchase’ these products free of charge through the Union website; either to be picked up at the Union’s reception or delivered to any address in the UK:
All products are shipped once per week, every Monday but also on Thursdays if demand necessitates.
Available Products
We currently have a selection of applicator and non-applicator tampons and sanitary towels available. Our products are sourced from Hey Girls, an award winning social enterprise who supply period products with purpose. Every sale made is matched exactly as a donation to someone facing period poverty. We have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, all products now purchased are made with 100% certified organic cotton and responsibly sourced bamboo while maintaining hygiene requirements and the need to offer products which are fully sealed and therefore cannot become contaminated during storage or ordering. Individual packaging of the products is made from plant based biodegradable material.
The current product offering was chosen in conjunction with the Student Union and feedback they obtained from the student body. Currently a program is underway to enable the offer of reusable period products, initial consultation with the Student Union has suggested that students may want this offering and consultation is to begin to ensure any products chosen for supply meet the requirements of our students while also meeting our sustainability and hygiene requirements. The reusable products may include reusable period pants, reusable period pads or period cups.