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
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 Learning to bridge the gap between policy, research, and practice — and to centre the developmental needs of young people in systems change.
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.
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.
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.