At DAME, we believe periods should never hold anyone back - and the same goes for the people who make, move, and deliver our products. As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to the highest standards of ethics, fairness, sustainability, and transparency across our operations and supply chain.

This handbook sets out our 12 core policies. Together, they form the foundation of our responsible business practices and provide assurance to partners, councils, schools, and clients that we are safe, ethical, and reliable. Each policy is reviewed annually and signed off by our CEO.

In brief, our commitments include:

• Zero tolerance for modern slavery or human trafficking.
• Strict anti-bribery and corruption rules, with clear reporting lines.
• Confidential whistleblowing protections for staff and suppliers.
• Full GDPR compliance, with the CEO acting as Data Protection Officer.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion embedded in recruitment, pay, and culture.
• Comprehensive health & safety processes across office and logistics operations.
• Safeguarding policies for work with schools, young people, and vulnerable groups.
• Environmental leadership as a B Corp, with reusable products cutting waste and carbon.
• Ethical sourcing with certified factories and annual supplier audits.
• Rigorous quality management aligned with ISO standards.
• Strong corporate social responsibility, from product donations to youth programmes.
• A dedicated policy on period dignity and equality, reflecting our mission and impact.

These policies are not just box-ticking exercises. They are a reflection of who we are as a business - optimistic, human, and serious about changing the system for good.

1. Introduction & Purpose

At DAME, our mission is to make sure periods hold nobody back. That principle extends to every person in our supply chain. Exploitation in any form undermines dignity and runs counter to our values as a B Corporation.

This policy sets out how DAME prevents, identifies, and responds to modern slavery and human trafficking. It is written in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and our wider commitments to transparency and fairness.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all DAME employees, suppliers, contractors, and partners worldwide. It covers all business activities, from raw material sourcing through to manufacturing, distribution, and sales.

3. Our Commitments

Zero tolerance for modern slavery, human trafficking, or forced labour.

All suppliers must sign and comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Annual audits of key suppliers, prioritising higher-risk regions.

Suppliers required to hold certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, ISO 45001.

Immediate corrective action for any breaches; termination if unresolved.

4. Risk Assessment & Due Diligence

We recognise heightened risks in textiles and global supply chains. Our approach includes:

- Risk mapping of suppliers and regions.

- Reviewing independent audit reports and certifications.

- Ongoing monitoring and evidence of compliance from suppliers.

- Supporting suppliers to improve standards rather than cutting ties, where possible.

5. Reporting & Escalation

Concerns can be raised confidentially via our whistleblowing procedure.

All reports are investigated within 14 days by the CEO (also Modern Slavery Officer).

Breaches are documented, acted on, and reported to authorities where required.

We guarantee no retaliation against whistleblowers.

6. Training & Awareness

All employees receive induction training on modern slavery risks.

Procurement and operations staff undergo enhanced annual training.

We run annual supplier workshops on human rights and ethical practices.

7. Monitoring & Review

We track progress against key indicators such as:

- % suppliers audited annually.

- % corrective actions completed.

- % employees trained.

This policy is reviewed each January and published openly on our website.

8. Responsibility

The CEO (Alec Mills) holds overall responsibility for this policy. Implementation is supported by operations and procurement managers.

1. Introduction & Purpose

At DAME, integrity is non-negotiable. We are a B Corp business founded to challenge broken systems, and we cannot do that if corruption takes root in our own. This policy sets out our zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption, in line with the UK Bribery Act 2010.

2. Scope

Applies to all employees, directors, contractors, suppliers, and anyone representing DAME worldwide.

3. Commitments

• No employee, supplier, or agent may offer, promise, give, request, or accept a bribe of any form.
  
  
• Hospitality and gifts must be reasonable, proportionate, and pre-approved if valued over £50.
  
  
• Donations and sponsorships are permitted only if transparent and aligned with our social mission.
  
  
• Any facilitation payments (often demanded in some jurisdictions) are strictly prohibited.
  
  

4. Procedures

• All employees receive training on recognising and refusing bribes.
  
  
• Finance and procurement teams monitor for unusual payment requests.
  
  
• Any suspicion must be reported immediately to the CEO.
  
  

5. Reporting & Enforcement

Breaches will be investigated promptly. Outcomes range from disciplinary action (up to dismissal) to supplier termination. Serious cases will be reported to the relevant authorities.

1. Introduction & Purpose

We believe that speaking up is an act of courage, not betrayal. This policy protects anyone who raises concerns about wrongdoing, malpractice, or risks within DAME or its supply chain.

2. Scope

Applies to all employees, suppliers, contractors, and partners. Covers financial misconduct, breaches of law, unsafe practices, safeguarding risks, environmental breaches, or unethical behaviour.

3. Commitments

• Concerns can be raised confidentially and anonymously if required.
  
  
• No retaliation will be tolerated against whistleblowers.
  
  
• All reports are treated seriously and investigated objectively.
  
  

4. Reporting Process

• Concerns can be raised directly with the CEO or through a confidential email channel.
  
  
• Reports are acknowledged within 7 days, investigated within 28 days.
  
  
• Findings are documented, and appropriate actions taken.
  
  

5. Protection

Employees are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Protecting personal data is both a legal obligation and a matter of trust. DAME complies fully with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Scope

Applies to all personal data relating to employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

3. Commitments

• Lawful, fair, and transparent processing of personal data.
  
  
• Data collected only for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes.
  
  
• Minimal data retention, with secure deletion once no longer needed.
  
  
• Individual rights respected: access, rectification, erasure, and objection.
  
  

4. Responsibilities

• Data Protection Officer (DPO): Alec Mills, CEO.
  
  
• All staff must complete annual GDPR training.
  
  

5. Security Measures

• Encrypted systems for storage and transfer of personal data.
  
  
• Access limited strictly to authorised personnel.
  
  
• Breach response plan: ICO notified within 72 hours if required.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Periods don’t discriminate, and neither do we. As a B Corp and Living Wage employer, DAME is committed to creating a workplace and supply chain where every individual is valued, respected, and able to thrive. This policy aligns with the Equality Act 2010.

2. Scope

Applies to all employees, candidates, contractors, and partners.

3. Commitments

• Recruitment, pay, promotion, and training are based solely on merit.
  
  
• We do not tolerate discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
  
  
• We actively encourage diverse applicants and monitor representation at hiring stages.
  
  
• Flexible working and parental leave are offered to support equality of opportunity.
  
  

4. Culture & Training

• All employees receive induction training on equality and unconscious bias.
  
  
• Managers undergo refresher training annually.
  
  
• Inclusivity is built into product design — from period dignity dispensers to teen education programmes.
  
  

5. Reporting & Escalation

Any concerns about discrimination can be reported confidentially to the CEO. Issues are investigated promptly and acted on decisively.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Health and safety is about dignity and care. DAME is committed to protecting the wellbeing of employees, contractors, and partners, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

2. Scope

Applies to all DAME workplaces, warehouses, logistics operations, and remote work setups.

3. Responsibilities

• Health & Safety Officer: Alec Mills, CEO.
  
  
• Every employee has a duty to work safely and report hazards.
  
  

4. Commitments

• Annual risk assessments across all operations.
  
  
• Full training for employees, tailored to role and environment.
  
  
• Safe product handling through our logistics partner, Kays Logistics (certified ISO 13485, ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SEQOHS).
  
  
• Clear accident reporting and investigation procedures.
  
  

5. Procedures

• Accidents and near-misses must be reported immediately.
  
  
• Investigations completed within 24 hours, with corrective actions logged.
  
  
• Remote workstations risk-assessed annually.
  
  

6. Monitoring & Review

Health & safety performance is reviewed annually, with updates incorporated into training and risk assessments.

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COSHH Procedure Note

(Appendix to DAME Health & Safety Policy)

Purpose

DAME is committed to ensuring safe handling and use of all substances that could pose a risk to health, in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

Scope

This note applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may come into contact with substances such as:

• Cleaning products used in offices and logistics areas
  
  
• Printing inks and adhesives used in packaging/labels
  
  
• Any products supplied by third parties that carry hazard warnings
  
  

Procedure

1. Inventory & Assessment
   
   

• A COSHH inventory of all substances is maintained by the Health & Safety Officer.
  
  
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are obtained for every substance and kept on file.
  
  
• Risk assessments are completed annually and whenever a new substance is introduced.
  
  

1. Control Measures
   
   

• Substances are labelled and stored securely in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
  
  
• Staff are trained on correct handling, use, and disposal.
  
  
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided where required (e.g. gloves, masks).
  
  

1. Monitoring & Review
   
   

• Usage reviewed annually during the Health & Safety audit.
  
  
• Any incidents or near misses reported immediately to the Health & Safety Officer.
  
  
• Corrective actions documented and implemented.
  
  

Responsibility

• Health & Safety Officer: Alec Mills, CEO.
  
  
• All employees are responsible for safe handling and immediate reporting of concerns.
  
  

Review

This procedure is reviewed annually (January) and updated as required.

Share details about your shipping policies, item returns, or customer service.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Sustainability is not a side project at DAME — it is the reason we exist. Our products cut carbon, reduce waste, and tackle the taboo of periods in line with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

2. Scope

Covers all DAME operations, from product design and packaging through to logistics and end-of-life.

3. Commitments

• Reusable innovation (applicator, pads, pants, cups) to prevent single-use waste.
  
  
• Dispensers 3D-printed from waste plastic, cutting 70% carbon vs steel.
  
  
• 100% recyclable packaging, with offcuts repurposed.
  
  
• Ethical carbon insetting and alignment with UN SDGs.
  
  

4. Monitoring

• Annual measurement of waste saved and emissions avoided.
  
  
• Progress published in B Corp recertification and customer reports.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Our supply chain is where our mission comes to life. We only work with factories that respect people and planet, with regular audits to ensure compliance.

2. Scope

Applies to all suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners.

3. Commitments

• Suppliers must comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct.
  
  
• Annual audits required for all key partners.
  
  
• Mandatory certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX, ISO 13485/9001/14001/45001.
  
  
• No child labour, forced labour, unsafe conditions, or unfair pay.
  
  

4. Implementation

• Supplier onboarding includes ethical due diligence.
  
  
• Corrective actions enforced for breaches.
  
  

Preference for long-term, values-aligned suppliers.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Safety, consistency, and reliability are the foundation of trust in our products. Our customers - from NHS Trusts to councils — need assurance that our products meet the highest quality standards.

2. Scope

Covers product development, manufacturing, testing, logistics, and distribution.

3. Commitments

• Products tested to UK and EU standards, with independent verification (Wickham Labs, SOAS).
  
  
• Batch-level traceability
  
  
• Defect/return rate consistently below 1%.
  
  
• Suppliers certified to ISO 13485, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001.
  
  
• Logistics partner additionally certified to ISO 27001 and SEQOHS.
  
  

4. Procedures

• Quality checks at factory stage and at UK warehouse dispatch.
  
  

Customer complaints logged, investigated, and resolved within 7 working days.

1. Introduction & Purpose

Business should be a force for good. As a B Corp, social value is embedded in DAME’s DNA. We exist not only to sell period products but to shift culture and create systemic change.

2. Scope

Applies to all DAME activities, partnerships, and community initiatives.

3. Commitments

• Donations: reusable pads to Uganda, period pants to Pakistan, products to UK councils.
  
  
• Education: DAMEchangers camp at Oxford University, Youth Board, school partnerships.
  
  
• Inclusion: working with refugee coders for IT development.
  
  
• Transparency: publishing impact openly in our B Corp recertification.
  
  

4. Monitoring

Impact measured in products donated, young people reached, and carbon/waste saved.