About Us

Who We Are

ACCESS is the trading name of Academic Consulting and Education Services Ltd. We are a UK-based research and training consultancy working across health, education, and community services.

We specialise in psychological perspectives, developmental insight, public voice, and service improvement focusing on supporting young adults, vulnerable populations, and underrepresented groups.

We partner with NHS systems and Trusts, charities, higher education institutions, and national bodies to help shape services that listen, reflect, and evolve.

Meet the Team

Photo of Amanda Carr

Dr Amanda Carr, Founder & Managing Director

Amanda is a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and an experienced educator and researcher. She has over 20 years’ experience in higher education and led the development of BPS-accredited postgraduate programmes in psychology and mental health. She founded ACCESS to bridge the gap between policy, research, and practice — and to centre the developmental needs of young people in systems change.

Dr Elizabeth Spruin, Director & Senior Consultant

Liz is a researcher, practitioner and senior academic with expertise in young people, trauma, and systems of care. She holds a PhD in Psychology and an MBA, and brings a unique combination of analytical and strategic insight to her work. She leads our research and evaluation portfolio, with a particular focus on mixed-methods design and lived experience. Liz is passionate about accessible and impactful research that supports service improvement.

Dr Emma Alleyne – Senior Associate Advisor (Research & Practice)

Emma is a Reader in Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent and a Trainee Forensic Psychologist. An internationally recognised expert, she has over 15 years’ experience working with police, probation, health, and third-sector organisations, combining research and practice to develop safer, fairer systems that reduce harm and improve outcomes for marginalised communities. Emma brings specialist expertise in research ethics, and in the design, delivery and evaluation of evidence-based interventions, offering valuable insights into working with vulnerable populations and underrepresented groups.

Dr Katarina Ozcakir Mozova – Senior Associate Advisor (Ethics & Safeguarding)

Katarina is a Senior Lecturer in Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University and a member of the Canterbury Centre for Policing Research.  She brings valuable expertise in applied research directly relevant to policy and practice development, ensuring the outcomes empower key stakeholders and especially those most at risk. She has a wealth of experience working with highly sensitive data and vulnerable populations which she will use to drive forward projects with ethics, sustainability and professional integrity at their forefront.  Katarina offers specialist insight into research ethics and safeguarding, supporting ethical, evidence-based practice across research and delivery.
 

CJ Ford, Training Associate and Expert by Experience

CJ is a student at the University of Derby studying Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and brings valuable lived experience to our team. With a background in the charity sector supporting people with SEND, CJ has developed training resources for organisations including the NHS and Kent County Council. As a co-facilitator on our Working with Young Adults programme, CJ plays a key role in ensuring our training is grounded, relatable, and informed by real-world insight.

Sharon Good, Research and Training Associate

Sharon is a lecturer, researcher, and experienced practitioner with a background in widening participation, inclusive education, and careers support for underrepresented young people. Her work spans mixed methods research, student transitions, and inclusive learning design. She brings valuable insight from roles in higher education, local authorities, and specialist provision, and plays a leading role in fieldwork and learner engagement across our projects.