Carer policy

The NWCDTP believes that caring should not prevent postgraduate researchers from succeeding in their studies. Through our values of respect, integrity, creativity and collaboration, we enrich the many contributions made to our culture and society by postgraduate researchers across our seven-member HEIs. We are committed to providing support and flexibility to facilitate their success, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged whilst safeguarding academic standards.

This policy provides advice and guidance for:

• Postgraduate researchers at the DTP who, at any point during their PhD programme, provide emotional or practical support to partners, children and other family members, friends, neighbours or others who cannot manage alone.
• Supervisory staff and those with a role in advising or supporting postgraduate researchers who already are or anticipate having carer responsibilities.

The policy covers any current or prospective postgraduate researcher who has sole or shared responsibility for a partner, relative, close friend or neighbour because they are ill, have a disability, are experiencing mental distress or are affected by substance abuse. We recognise that the need for care can often be short or long-term and that the responsibility for emotional or practical support may occur at any point and may not be predictable or have a set timescale.

For further information, please read our complete documentation here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at nwcdtp@manchester.ac.uk.