Introducing the NCSCT

The National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) is a social enterprise committed to support the delivery of smoking cessation interventions provided by local stop smoking services, support the NHS and Local Authorities to deliver effective evidence-based tobacco control programmes, and deliver training and assessment programmes to stop smoking practitioners and other health and social care professionals.

The NCSCT was initially established at University College London in 2009 by Professor Robert West, Professor Susan Michie and Dr Andy McEwen via a three year Department of Health grant. Now a community interest company, the NCSCT is part-funded through a contract with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2023-26) and through licensing its training and assessment programme, delivering face-to-face (virtual) training courses, providing consultancy services and participating in research.

As part of its programme of work, the NCSCT has identified the competences (knowledge and skills) needed to effectively help smokers to stop and has developed training, assessment and certification programmes based upon these competences. We also provide related resources for commissioners, managers and practitioners.The NCSCT works with and for the field to deliver training and assessment programmes, support services for local and national providers and conducts research into behavioural support for smoking cessation.

The NCSCT is not a provider of stop smoking support because that would create a conflict of interest with its role in establishing and monitoring standards of delivery.

The NCSCT and its staff have a clear policy to not engage in work or conversation with companies who receive funding or backing from organisations related to the tobacco industry in line with Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and following guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care: Guidance for government engagement with the tobacco industry