Period dignity officer role scrapped after fury when job given to man

Period dignity officer role scrapped after fury when job given to man
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 07/09/2022

- 17:07

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 10:41

Jason Grant was previously appointed to the position, which involved promoting access to free sanitary products in schools and colleges

The role of Period Dignity Regional Lead Officer has been axed after “threats and abuse” towards individuals.

It comes after a major backlash erupted over the decision to appoint a man to the position, which involved promoting access to free sanitary products in schools and colleges in the Tay region in Scotland.


Jason Grant, from Dundee, was also set to discuss issues around the menopause as part of the job.

Critics of last month’s announcement argued that the role should have been given to a woman.

The position involved promoting access to free sanitary products in schools and colleges in the Tay region
The position involved promoting access to free sanitary products in schools and colleges in the Tay region
Jane Barlow

Martina Navratilova in the Royal Box on day one of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. Picture date: Monday June 27, 2022.
Martina Navratilova
Adam Davy

But Dundee & Angus College confirmed on Tuesday that the position would not continue, and asked that a “spirit of kindness” is extended to those involved in the Period Dignity Working Group, which includes representatives of Dundee and Angus College, Perth College, Angus Council and Dundee City Council.

A spokesperson for the Period Dignity Working Group said: “It is regrettable that given the threats and abuse levelled at individuals in recent weeks, the Period Dignity Regional Lead Officer role will not continue.

“The working group is now looking closely at alternative ways to deliver these vital services in line with the legal requirements of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021.

“Meanwhile, support will continue to be provided to the colleagues and students who have been subjected to personal attack. Their safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance.

“The group’s joint work to provide free period products is rooted in kindness. We therefore ask that the same spirit of kindness is extended to those involved, and that their privacy is respected.”

Mr Grant’s appointment was the first role of its kind in the country, but sparked an outcry across social media.

Former tennis star Martina Navratilova said choosing Mr Grant for the role was “f****** ridiculous”, while Susan Dalgety, a women’s rights campaigner, tweeted: “I have no idea why anyone thought it was a good idea to appoint a bloke.”

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