NACCC is pleased to announce a new partnership with the University of Suffolk, marking an important step in strengthening the support for families navigating separation.
The partnership is founded on a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families, and was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025.
The collaboration grew from connections made at NACCC-accredited Ipswich Child Contact Centre, where two University of Suffolk students, Ashlea Potkins and Alisha Maycock, were undertaking placements as part of their BA (Hons) Childhood degree.
During an accreditation visit to the centre, NACCC Service Development Manager Phil Coleman met Alisha and Carolyn Leader, Lecturer in Childhood at the University of Suffolk. Their conversation highlighted opportunities for joint learning, training development and wider professional collaboration, forming the basis of the new partnership.
Under the agreement, NACCC and the University of Suffolk will work together on the joint development of training and qualifications for child contact centre staff; placement opportunities for University of Suffolk students at NACCC-accredited centres; collaborative work to enhance safeguarding, governance and best practice across the child contact centre network; and knowledge exchange to support centres in strengthening practice and responding to the evolving needs of children and families
NACCC CEO Elizabeth Coe said:
We’re delighted to be partnering with the University of Suffolk. The University’s expertise and commitment to community engagement align perfectly with NACCC’s dedication to supporting families across the UK who are navigating change. This collaboration will strengthen the skills and knowledge of those working in NACCC-accredited child contact centres, helping to ensure children continue to enjoy safe, positive family time following separation.
In September, Carolyn Leader, Ashlea Potkins and Alisha Maycock joined NACCC’s AGM and Conference, where Carolyn was invited to speak about the developing collaboration and the potential creation of additional qualifications for centre staff. During the AGM awards ceremony, Ashlea Potkins received NACCC’s Safeguarding Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to supporting the changing needs of children and families at Ipswich Child Contact Centre.
Stuart Agnew, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Academic and International Partnerships at the University of Suffolk, said:
This partnership is an important one in our role as a Civic University committed to contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of people in Suffolk. As part of this, we intend to work with NACCC on the joint development of training and qualifications for contact centre staff, provide opportunities for students to gain experience and placements in accredited centres, and work collaboratively to strengthen safeguarding, governance and best practice across the network. This collaboration has the potential for the University to have an impact nationally on vital services that support those who are most in need.
NACCC will share further updates on the development of training opportunities and student involvement as the partnership progresses.
About the University of Suffolk
The University of Suffolk is known for its high-quality teaching, modern campus with cutting-edge facilities and excellent graduate prospects. Located on the waterfront in Ipswich, it was established as an independent university in 2016. Its mission is to transform lives and the region through education, research, business and community engagement.