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Policies & Reports

Government policy papers
Smoking cessation
Inequalities
Local Authorities/NHS tobacco policy
ASH Scotland policy papers
ASH Scotland reports

Government policy papers

Scotland's future is smoke free: a smoking prevention action plan (May 2008)
This action plan sets out a programme of measures designed specifically to dissuade children and young people from smoking. It builds upon and responds to the report, 'Towards a Future without Tobacco' (November 2006) from an Expert Group, which considered a wide range of evidence from national and international research. The consultations undertaken on the Expert Group's recommendations also provide a clear mandate for the action proposed.
A breath of fresh air improving Scotland's health: the challenge tobacco control action plan (2004)
First action plan on tobacco control specifically for Scotland. Covers areas of prevention and education, protection and control, as well as expansion of smoking cessation services. Includes revised targets for reduction of smoking rates in adults. [NB: The smoking rates quoted in 'A breath of fresh air' are from the 1999 Scottish Household Survey - more recent smoking rates are available via our statistics section]
Towards a healthier Scotland: a White Paper on health (1999)
Set out targets for reduction in smoking rates in Scotland and outlined the initial resource allocation for smoking cessation services.
Smoking kills - a White Paper on tobacco (1998)
UK White Paper, subsequently endorsed by the Scottish Executive, outlined a package of measures to help smokers quit, and set targets for smoking reduction, along iwth outlining 'priority groups' for smoking reduction; pregnant women, young people and adults and low income. The result of this was the setting up of smoking cessation services in each health board area. The nature and scope of these services vary accross Scotland.

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Smoking cessation

Smoking Cessation Guidelines for Scotland: 2007 Update
This paper updates on guidance and recent developments since the Smoking Cessation Guidelines for Scotland: 2004 Update (NHS Health Scotland and ASH Scotland 2004). Developments that are expected to give guidance within the next year are also included.
A Smoking Cessation Policy for Scotland (1998)
Published by ASH Scotland and HEBS, this policy contains evidence-based recommendations for a stepped care approach to smoking cessation in Scotland
Recommendations for the future development of Scottish smoking cessation services: data collection, monitoring & evaluating, information management and essential resources
Report of recommendations for the future development of Scottish smoking cessation services: frequently asked questions
Standards for smoking cessation training in Scotland (2003)
These standards have been developed in collaboration with a wide range of professionals in the field and are in line with the most recent evidence base. They are a guide for training providers and outline the skills and knowledge that a participant should have on completion of a course. As such, they are part of the process of ensuring that the smoking cessation training being delivered across Scotland is of a consistently high standard.
Strategy for smoking cessation training in Scotland (2003)
This strategy has been developed in tandem with the national training standards. It outlines the developmental requirements surrounding smoking cessation training and the steps that Partnership Action on Tobacco and Health (PATH) could take to meet these. It also makes recommendations beyond the current expected lifespan of PATH, and as such may provide the basis of a future work plan for PATH and/or other organisations. Recommendations for additional resources needed to support the strategy are also included in the document. The strategy will be flexible and will evolve and be updated as necessary, as the field of smoking cessation develops.
Smoking cessation services in primary care, pharmacies, local authorities and workplaces, particularly for manual working groups, pregnant women and hard to reach communities (February 2008)
(NHS UK) National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Public Health Programme Guidance

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Inequalities

information briefing on tobacco and social deprivation
information briefing on women and tobacco
information sheet on tobacco use and minority ethnic groups
information sheet on types of tobacco used in some minority ethnic groups
Breaking Down the Barriers: report of the Women, Low Income and Smoking Project (2000)

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Local Authorities/NHS tobacco policy

ASH Scotland fact sheets on smoking prevalence broken down by local authority (2007)
These fact sheets provide details of smoking rates at Scottish Parliamentary constituency and local authority level. Also included are the numbers of deaths attributed to smoking and smoking in the first trimester of pregnancy at health board level and the smoking prevalence of teenagers at a nationwide level. In addition, these factsheets give information about some of the smoking prevention, education, and cessation work that is being carried out at a local level across Scotland.
Re-audit of Tobacco Policies in the NHS in Scotland (2005)
This re-audit was commissioned by ASH Scotland in conjunction with NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Executive. It followed up the findings from an earlier audit undertaken by ASH Scotland in 1994-5 (available in print form). The re-audit aimed to inform continued development of better practice guidelines and recommendations re: policy development, implementation and monitoring in the NHS. Results from the re-audit informed the development of the guidance for NHS, local authorities and care service providers (see below).
Smoke-free Scotland: guidance on smoking policies for the NHS, local authorities and care service providers (2005)
This guidance was commissioned by a working group comprising representatives of the Scottish Executive, ASH Scotland, the NHS, NHS Health Scotland, COSLA, the Care Commission and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives. It provides guidance to the NHS, local authorities and care service providers on how to comply with Scotland's smoke-free legislaton, including specific advice for those premises which are permitted exemptions under the new law. In addition, it highlights the benefits of going further than the legislation and working towards completely smoke-free policies.

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ASH Scotland policy papers and consultation responses

Please visit the ASH Scotland policy pages for policy briefings, position papers and consultation responses.

ASH Scotland reports

Smoke-free success: ASH Scotland presents the Scottish experience (2007)
A comprehensive and detailed report which documents Scotland's successful move to bring in a ban on smoking in public places, the lessons that other countries can learn, and the beginning "of a new and healthier Scotland".
Mapping local tobacco control alliances in Scotland (2007) (pdf, 775kb)
A mapping exercise which provided information on the extent of local tobacco control alliance work across Scotland
ASH Scotland response to "Mapping local tobacco control alliances in Scotland" (doc, 182kb)
The unwelcome guest: how scotland invited the tobacco industry to smoke outside (2005) (pdf, 292kb)
This report shows how the campaign to make Scotland smoke-free was won, and how the tobacco industry tried everything it could to stop smoke-free legislation being made.

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