Most UK ELT members don't remember a time when Liz McLaren wasn't in the British Council's Accreditation Unit, and her retirement after 33 years represents the end of an era.  

Liz oversaw a large expansion of the scheme before the post-Covid contraction, taking in many new providers such as universities, colleges, and junior summer multi-centres.  

Tributes to Liz

"As we all know, Liz really is the accreditation scheme and it's quite a thought to contemplate how it will function without her. However, she has us very well trained and although she couldn't quite pour all her encyclopaedic knowledge of the sector into our brains, she has done her very best," said Rhona Hodgart, Accreditation UK inspector.

Rhona also recalls Liz's "laser focus" on every detail, her ability to deal with problems and her drive to keep accreditation scheme costs as low as possible. "I am in awe of Liz's pragmatism and 'roll your sleeves up' approach…calm, unflappable and, always, 'we'll find a way'!

Porridge pots and partnership

"Her efforts to keep the costs as low and reasonable for providers as possible are legendary. Liz was always trying to save the Scheme money. I remember her bringing her own porridge pots and having that for breakfast when travelling for work events – no hotel breakfast for her. No taxis either, if that additional expense was at all avoidable."

Mike Welch, Director Global Operations, Teaching Centres at the British Council, added: "A key part of Liz's legacy is the strong, trusted partnership she helped to build and sustain between the British Council and English UK. Her leadership of the Accreditation Unit, deep understanding of the sector, and commitment to collaboration have been instrumental in maintaining a shared vision for quality assurance. This partnership has not only underpinned the success of the scheme, but also reinforced the UK's global reputation for excellence in English language teaching."

The best scheme in the world

Huan Japes, our joint acting chief executive, remembers Liz's particular strength in dealing with difficult situations such as centres failing elements of their inspection.

"While maintaining scheme standards, she worked closely with all relevant stakeholders to come to the best possible solution in the interests of all parties. Many have cause to be grateful for her principled but flexible approach which helped to raise all boats," he said, adding: "Many staff at English UK developed a warm, close working relationship with Liz over the decades, almost as if she was another member of our own team. She was also a popular fixture at conferences and always stayed on to speak with members.  Any issues in our partnership, or those brought to our attention by our centres, were addressed with fairness, consistency, and a genuine understanding and grace. Her legacy is the best ELT accreditation scheme in the world."

What does Liz say?

When she joined the British Council as an administrative assistant in 1992, the unit had two quality assurance schemes; the English language schools recognition scheme and the courses validation scheme. It was her first permanent job after graduating in English literature and drama and completing a Master's in First World War poetry.

Liz is modest about her impact on the accreditation framework over the decades, saying changes were the result of collaboration and consultation with providers and inspectors.

Inclusivity and transparency

"I think the scheme is more inclusive than it was then, reflecting the diversity of language centres, their services and students. The criteria are more specific now about the standards required but at the same time less prescriptive (context matters). There's more emphasis on the needs of junior students (a much larger proportion of the UK market now) and the support and development of teachers," said Liz.

The greatest change is in the transparency of the scheme which shows exactly what is needed to meet the standards and gives examples of good practice.  "The aim is to celebrate what's good, encourage and support continued improvement."

She says the best part of the job was "meeting with the language centres and accommodation providers, listening to understand what matters to them and how things are evolving and then working with the inspectors and AUK executive board to develop the scheme, not just criteria but also practical things. Solutions like accreditation by extension to help growth, remote inspections in the wake of the pandemic and most recently provisional accreditation."

Future plans

What are Liz's plans for retirement? She is planning to ditch the endless to-do list, have a rest, spend more time in the open air, volunteering and perhaps taking even a part-time job. "But first I need to learn to do less and give myself time to get bored."

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