Statement on Arrangements for the Provision of Free Period Products - Statement on Arrangements for the Provision of Free Period Products
Details of Specified Public Service Body
Name of Specified Public Service Body
Education Authority
Main Address of Specified Public Service Body
40 Academy Street, Belfast BT1 2NQ
Reference to Annex/hyperlink to full list of sites where free period products are available:
Publication Details
Date of first publication and Dates of subsequent publication
October 2025
Where will this Statement be published?
- EA Website
- CCEA Website - Support for Schools
Details of Consultation Carried Out
When was a consultation carried out?
Monday 2nd December 2024 to Monday 13th January 2025.
Who was consulted?
- Staff and visitors,
- Pupils and young people in schools,
- EOTAS,
- EA Youth settings,
- EA administrative accommodation staff,
- EA comms,
- Youth services,
- Head of facilities and support services,
- Period dignity working group members,
- Unions including joint negotiating support officer in EA and union secretaries,
- CCEA,
- CSSC,
- NI Youth Assembly,
- NI Youth Forum,
- SSUNI and NICCY, and
- Boards of Governors.
How did the consultation process establish?
Summary Links to Period Dignity Consultation Forms
A detailed Equality Screening of the Period Dignity Project and Consultation Exercise was conducted prior to the launch of this consultation to ensure that this consultation exercise was as effective and accessible as possible in gathering the views of stakeholders. The Equality Screening identified mitigations to ensure that the consultation exercise did not lead to any adverse equality impact on any of the protected categories. This Equality Screening will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis in line with the EA's Equality Scheme commitments and Equality Screening process to ensure the implementation of the Period Dignity Policy and Guidance continues to have a positive equality impact overall and takes account of emerging needs of future stakeholders.
An analysis of the results of both the adult and young person’s consultations on Period Dignity can be accessed via the links below.
Period Dignity Consultation Findings (Adult)
Period Dignity Consultation Findings (Young Person)
Key Questions
- The new law requires that free period products be reasonably easy to access – what does this mean to you?
- The new law requires that a reasonable range of free period products be made available. What does this mean to you?
- Would you be happy to use less expensive (unbranded)* period products so we can buy more for everyone?
- How important to you are plastic free single use items?
- The new law requires that you can access free period products in a way that respects your dignity, privacy and confidentiality. What does this mean to you?
- The new law requires that free products are available at all times. Can you suggest some ideas for how we can keep products well stocked? For example, this could involve a committee of young people, staff volunteers, a process for reporting that product stocks are running low in certain locations.
- The new law requires that we make sure everyone knows that there are free period products available. What do you think would be a good way of doing this?
How has the consultation process had regard to:
The consultation process has taken several measures to ensure the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of product users, as well as considering the inclusion of reusable period products.
All responses in the consultation were anonymous and confidential.
To maintain dignity and privacy, many respondents emphasized the importance of having period products available directly in individual toilet cubicles to avoid embarrassment. There was also a significant number of responses highlighting the need for users to obtain products without having to ask staff, ensuring confidentiality. Suggestions included discreet ways for students to request products, and effective communication about product availability through posters, emails, and assemblies. Some responses mentioned having designated members of staff or specific locations where products can be accessed discreetly.
Regarding reusable period products, the consultation process considered the inclusion of a variety of reusable options, such as reusable period pants and pads. Respondents also requested supplementary items like wet wipes and disposable bags to support the use of reusable products. There were calls for educational programs to inform young people about different types of period products, including reusable options, and how to use them effectively. Ensuring that reusable period products are available in accessible locations, such as all toilets, communal sinks, and specific communal areas, was also a common theme. Allowing young people to access period products during class or activities without drawing attention to themselves helps maintain their dignity and privacy.
These findings highlight the consultation's focus on ensuring dignity, privacy, and confidentiality for product users, as well as considering the inclusion of reusable period products.
The Arrangements
What arrangements are being put in place as a result of the consultation?
Here are the specific arrangements being put in place in place by the Education Authority as a result of the Period Dignity Consultation:
- Free Period Products in Schools: The Period Products (Free Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 mandates that free period products must be available in all schools, including primary, post-primary, special schools, and EOTAS (Education Other Than at School) settings. EA has developed a short and simple downstream guidance document for schools, based on the statutory guidance published by DE and the results of EA’s consultation with product users. This will help to ensure the legislation is implemented effectively at school level. Legal duties sit with the EA for controlled schools however the EA will support other school management types in meeting their duties through management of budgets, providing access to EA supply contracts, and through the work of its period products working group.
- Supporting Attendance: The Department of Education has been promoting period dignity since September 2021 to help pupils reach their potential by supporting confident attendance at school. This is primarily achieved through the provision of free period products.
- Pilot Scheme and Wider Provision: A successful pilot scheme concluded in June 2024, paving the way for wider provision which includes EA Youth settings, EA Administrative Accommodation and staff in all settings under new legislation. Despite funding pressures, the Department of Education continues to provide funding for free period products.
- Budget Allocations: The Department of Education is providing funding to support the Education Authority in meeting its legal duties under the Act as a carry-over from the Period Dignity Pilot Scheme. Post-primary, special schools, EOTAS and Youth settings receive a budget allocation for each financial year. Primary schools receive an allocation of free period products during the autumn term of each academic year.
- Ordering Products: Schools and Youth Services can order period products to meet their requirements on the EA iProcurement portal. Instructions for placing orders and further details are provided in CCEA’s Period Dignity Guidance and Youth Service Guidance and will be provided in EA’s downstream guidance poster.
- Curriculum Resources: A wealth of curriculum resources, including new period dignity videos, are available on CCEA’s website to support education around period dignity. Resources for Youth Service staff are also available on the Youth Service Teams site.
- The EA Youth Service shared the findings from the survey for young people with a group of young leaders who are going to pilot a number of initiatives across Youth Services re raising awareness of free period products and supporting the roll out of the initiative.
- Staff Period products need to be provided for staff and visitors on all premises, while the premises are in use. In DE’s Regulations, ‘staff ’means employees or agency workers. ‘Visitors’ means people attending meetings or events or providing a function/service on the premises. This minor narrowing of scope, via DE’s Regulations, is intended to ensure that members of the public are not entitled to enter the premises of DE’s SPSBs to obtain free period products. This is particularly important for the safeguarding of children and young people. EA’s consultation with adult product users on the range of period products available, ease of access, access in terms of respect for dignity, privacy and confidentiality and the promotion of free period products informs the provision of period products in EA premises.
These steps aim to ensure that product users have access to necessary period products, promoting a supportive and stigma-free environment in schools.
References
[1] Period Dignity Consultation | Education Authority Northern Ireland
[2] Period Dignity | Department of Education
How the arrangements have had regard to the consultation carried out:
Consultation Findings and Arrangements
Operational guidance, based on the findings of the consultation, will be communicated to all stakeholders. This will include background and context on the period dignity consultation, the findings from the consultation and what this means/next steps. (Hyperlink to be inserted full legislation/Downstream Guidance).
- Dignity and Privacy:
- Consultation Feedback: Respondents emphasised the importance of having period products available directly in individual toilet cubicles to avoid embarrassment. They also highlighted the need for users to obtain products without having to ask staff, ensuring confidentiality.
- Arrangements: Schools and youth settings are required to ensure that period products are available in individual toilet cubicles and other discreet locations. This approach respects students' privacy and dignity, allowing them to access products without embarrassment. (Posters | CCEA)
- Discreet Access:
- Consultation Feedback: Suggestions included discreet ways for students to request products, and effective communication about product availability through posters, emails, and assemblies.
- Arrangements: Schools are implementing discreet methods for students to access period products or having designated staff members. Communication about product availability is being enhanced through various channels like posters and school assemblies. Youth Services will support discreet access through posters, discussions with young people and bespoke programmes.
- Reusable Period Products:
- Consultation Feedback: The inclusion of reusable options, such as reusable period pants and pads, was considered. Respondents also requested supplementary items like wet wipes and disposable bags.
- Arrangements: Schools and Youth Services can order reusable products through the EA contract, and this will remain the case with the new contract, providing a variety of period products, including reusable options. CCEA resources are available to support education about different types of period products and how to use them.
- Educational Programs:
- Consultation Feedback: There were calls for educational programs to inform young people about different types of period products, including reusable options.
- Arrangements: CCEA’s Period Dignity Hub includes curriculum resources and period dignity videos to educate students about period products and promote period dignity. The Youth Service Teams site will also provide curriculum resources suitable for youth service programmes.
- Accessibility:
- Consultation Feedback: Ensuring that reusable period products are available in accessible locations, such as all toilets, communal sinks, and specific communal areas, was a common theme.
- Arrangements: Schools and Youth Services are making period products available in various accessible locations, ensuring that young people can access them easily and discreetly.
How the arrangements have had regard to Departmental Guidance, including guidance on reasonable access, respecting dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
EA, had a duty to provide period Products within the following four settings (for children and young people, staff and visitors)
- Controlled schools.
- Statutory youth settings.
- Education other than school settings.
- Administrative buildings.
As stated within the Statutory Guidance for SPSBs (issued by DE), EA (before submitting a written statement on its arrangements):
- consulted with product users (as defined in the Act[1]), who are likely to be on their premises, as the SPSB thinks appropriate.
- Consulted with any other body or person the SPSB thinks appropriate,
- Included consultation on—
- Ways in which product users ought to be able to obtain period products free of charge.
- The locations in the SPSB’s premises in which period products ought to be obtainable free of charge; and
- The types of period products which ought to be obtainable free of charge.
The arrangements being put in place by EA as a result of the Period Dignity Consultation align closely with the departmental guidance laid out in the Period Dignity Policy and Guidance for Schools_5.pdf. Here are the key points of alignment with specific reference to reasonable access, respecting dignity, privacy, and confidentiality:
- Reasonable Access:
- The guidance states that the products must be available in all buildings comprising settings. This will be clearly communicated to settings through operational guidance where and when learners need them, ensuring that access is not limited by socio-economic status[1]. This is reflected in the arrangements for free period products in all settings.
- Settings are encouraged to consult with pupils and young people to determine the most suitable products and distribution methods, ensuring that the needs and preferences of students and young people are met[1].
- Respecting Dignity:
- The guidance highlights the importance of providing period products in a way that respects the dignity of the individual obtaining them[1]. This includes avoiding situations where students have to ask for products or justify their need for them[1].
- The arrangements ensure that products are available in a discreet manner, such as in toilets or other private areas, to minimise any potential embarrassment.
- Privacy and Confidentiality:
- The guidance stresses the need to consider the privacy of users, including for religious and cultural reasons. This is addressed by making products available in discrete packaging and ensuring that they can be accessed without drawing attention.
- Settings are instructed to handle the distribution of period products in a way that maintains the confidentiality of the students and young people, ensuring that their needs are met without compromising their privacy.
Overall, EA’s arrangements for Period Dignity are designed to create a supportive and stigma-free environment, in line with the principles of reasonable access, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality as outlined in the departmental guidance.
References
[1] Period Dignity Policy and Guidance for Schools_5
-The products that will be provided, and how these represent a reasonable choice, having regard to items which are reusable (see pages 8-9).
The existing contract meets the needs of young people that were expressed through the consultation i.e. a range of pads and tampons in various absorbencies, reusable items, wet wipes and disposable bags.
EA ensures a reasonable choice of period products, including reusable options like period pants, are available to product users in Northern Ireland. Settings are encouraged to engage with products users to understand their preferences, ensuring the products provided meet their needs. Products are made accessible in private areas to respect dignity and privacy. And settings are reminded of the importance of regular restocking of products to ensure a reasonable choice is available at all times.
Educational resources are also provided to help students make informed choices about the products they use, promoting both reasonable choice and sustainability. This approach supports period dignity while respecting young people’s privacy and preferences.
The Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect on 24 February 2025, introduces a more transparent and accountable procurement framework, now extending into contract management. This legislation applies to all public sector organisations, including the Education Authority (EA), which manages a contract portfolio worth approximately £3 billion.
Key changes include enhanced transparency through mandatory publication of procurement notices, regulated contract management with the publication of KPIs and supplier performance for contracts over £5 million, and stricter controls on underperforming or high-risk suppliers. The Act also encourages greater participation from small and social enterprises and introduces more flexible procurement processes to support innovation.
Additionally, the Act strengthens procedures around conflicts of interest, direct award contracts, and pre-market engagement to ensure integrity and accountability. Training resources, including the recommended Knowledge Drops for key personnel, are available via EA Learn. Further support and contact information can be found on the EA Procurement Contact Page.
How product users will obtain the free products
The Period Products (Free Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 will ensure that period products are obtainable free of charge in many public buildings in Northern Ireland. There must always be free period products available for use in these buildings and arrangements must respect the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the people using them.
For the Education Authority, this means products must be available for staff and visitors, pupils and young people in schools, EOTAS, EA Youth settings and EA administrative accommodation.
DE has provided policy guidance for all other school settings.