This guiding framework supports the development and evaluation of education and training in screening and brief intervention utilising a step by step skills based approach. The framework was developed in partnership with the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD), Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDU), Centres of Nursing and Midwifery Education, Substance Misuse Services, Acute Hospitals, Health Promotion Service, Social Inclusion Service, Integrated Services Directorate, healthcare professionals and educators with expertise in Screening and Brief Intervention. We are grateful to the health service organisations whose education, practice development and clinical staff, involved in screening and brief intervention, gave of their time, expertise and educational material, which in turn facilitated the development of this framework.