About us
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) advises ministers and the NHS in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening and supports implementation of screening programmes.
Role of the group
The UK NSC advises ministers and the NHS in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening and supports implementation of screening programmes.
Conditions are reviewed against evidence review criteria according to the UK NSC’s evidence review process.
Browse a list of UK NSC recommendations.
View the UK NSC’s code of practice. You can also find out about upcoming UK NSC meetings and read minutes from previous meetings.
Find out more about its work on the UK NSC blog.
The following updated terms of reference and definitions are due to be formally adopted by the UK NSC at its June 2022 meeting.
Terms of reference
The UK NSC is an independent committee that:
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is accountable to the 4 chief medical officers (CMOs), who agree work plans for the UK NSC on an annual basis
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advises ministers and the NHS in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening including the case for introducing new population and targeted screening programmes and for continuing, modifying or withdrawing existing population programmes against a set of internationally recognised criteria
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supports implementation of screening programmes in the 4 countries including the development of high level standards and maintains oversight of the evidence relating to the balance of good and harm as well as the overall cost effectiveness of existing programmes
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works with partners to ensure it keeps abreast of scientific developments in screening, including screening research, screening policy in other countries and emerging technologies with a particular focus on stratified screening
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works with partners to facilitate research that is required to provide evidence for new programmes or modifications to existing programmes
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ensures that screening recommendations are embedded in a robust ethical framework and that they reduce inequalities
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works with partners to optimise communication with the public, government and health professionals on all screening matters
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engages with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) at the interface between screening programmes and clinical guidance
Definitions
Risk assessment as part of routine clinical care
The person (patient) seeks healthcare, usually because of symptoms of active disease and/or concerns about their health. The clinician assesses the person’s risk of disease and may use their judgement to offer test(s) for associated conditions. Invitations for such testing and subsequent management are not centralised or nationally organised and therefore are not considered as screening programmes
Population screening
A nationally delivered (in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), proactive (individuals are actively invited for screening) screening programme which aims to improve health outcomes in people with the condition being screened for and/or offer information to enable informed choices. It is offered to a group of people identified from the whole population and defined demographically such as by age or sex.
Targeted screening
A nationally delivered, proactive screening programme which aims to improve health outcomes in people with the condition being screened for, among groups of people identified as being at elevated/above average risk of a specific condition. Compared to the general population, the people targeted may have higher risk because of lifestyle factors, genetic variants or having another health condition.
Targeted screening differs from population screening as it aims to identify groups of people with a higher risk of a specific condition beyond demographics such as age or sex. For example, individuals who smoke are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer regardless of their age or sex.
Stratified screening
A nationally delivered, proactive approach to screening, offering testing which varies in frequency and modality (type of test offered), according to the level of individual risk. This is designed to achieve a more favourable balance of benefits and harms at individual as well as population level. Stratified screening can be used to complement both targeted and population screening programmes. For example, people with a family history of breast cancer can be referred to a high risk clinic and are screened more often depending on their level of risk.
Values
Our procedural values underpin how we conduct our work. They are specific to the work of the UK NSC but accord with the principles of public life, the NHS values and the principles for scientific advice to government.
Rigour
Our work is carried out to the highest quality standards, drawing on the best available and most up-to-date evidence and expertise. We analyse evidence and issues in a consistent manner to help us make considered and proportionate judgements.
Independence and accountability
Our members behave with impartiality, integrity and objectivity and take collective responsibility for their recommendations, in accordance with our code of practice. We work within the framework of UK law and are accountable to the chief medical officers of the 4 UK countries.
Inclusiveness and respect
We engage with a broad range of stakeholders across the UK to ensure our advice reflects societal perspectives and is balanced. We treat people with respect. Our membership includes a diversity of expertise and experience.
Transparency
We are open and honest about our procedures and how evidence and expertise has been considered in order to formulate recommendations. We work to ensure our decisions and communications are accessible to all interested parties.
Responsiveness
We evaluate and reassess screening questions as new evidence emerges or opinions change. We regularly reflect on our processes to ensure they are appropriate and fit for purpose.
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