Towards care-full doctoral journeys: Inclusive strategies to foster wellbeing among doctoral researchers who are parents/carers in the UK context

Many doctoral learners are likely to be balancing multiple responsibilities, including caring and parenting obligations, which may affect their wellbeing and experience of doctoral study. Drawing on mixed method case study research combined with personal and professional reflections, this chapter brings together themes of care, wellbeing, belonging, and equalities. It offers practical suggestions for all those involved in the support of doctoral researchers on approaches, interventions and ways of moving towards inclusive supervision and caring (or care-full) academic cultures. Given the benefits for individuals, families, and communities of carers participating in postgraduate studies, alongside the valuable life and work experience, capacities and skills doctoral carers bring to academic communities, it is imperative that supervisors, programme leaders, and graduate schools are aware of the wellbeing needs of this group and that departments and institutions ensure they are fully included and supported to meet their potential.