Review finds Scotland’s smoking and health campaign to be effective and value for money

Scotland’s independent campaigning charity working to reduce the harm caused by tobacco “is effective in achieving its aims, and in delivering value for money for the Government” according to an independent review published today.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland was praised by researchers from business consultancy IOD Parc for its “strong vision”, “working effectively with a wide range of partners and alliances”, “strong governance” and “effective decision making processes”.

The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government, which provides funding to ASH Scotland to support its core running costs, to sustain work engaging youth and inequalities groups, to provide professional training services and to run a free enquiry and research service on tobacco and health.

The Chair of ASH Scotland’s Board, Mary Cuthbert OBE, said:

“Tobacco is a highly addictive substance which has become deeply ingrained in Scottish society and is promoted by a ruthless industry intent on maintaining its profits while knowing full well that half of its long-term customers will die because of using its products.

“We are fully confident that our approach of preventing children and young people from starting to smoke, providing services for those who want to quit and protecting everyone from second-hand smoke is an appropriate and well-evidenced response to the problem.

“It is reassuring to receive such a strong endorsement from an independent review and to hear the clear message that our work, and the wider effort to reduce the harm caused by tobacco, is both effective and good value for money.”

Reviews of this kind relating to grant funded organisations are undertaken regularly by the Scottish Government. In preparing their report the researchers conducted a thorough audit of ASH Scotland’s systems and documentation and interviewed staff and a wide range of external stakeholders.

ENDS

For further information contact: John Watson on 0131 220 9468 or jwatson@ashscotland.org.uk Out of office hours: 07776 142 299

Notes to editors:

1. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland is the independent Scottish charity taking action to reduce the harm and inequality associated with tobacco use www.ashscotland.org.uk
2. IOD Parc is the trading name for International Organisation Development Ltd, which has provided business consultancy services to over 100 clients around the world http://www.iodparc.com/

The Executive Summary of the review report follows. The full report is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/10/9898/0