Back on Track for Researchers
The ‘Back on Track’ coaching programme provides a motivational intervention for doctoral researchers in the humanities and arts struggling to find ways of working during the ongoing pandemic. This programme is different from other programmes that were in place for researchers before lockdown. It is not focused on long-term goals (which can be unsettling in such uncertain times) or training in particular skills. Instead, it focuses on finding ways to work that are specific and person-orientated to get back on track in the present moment.
Mental health and isolation issues are well known to be problems while completing a PhD; such issues have become heightened in the pandemic. In a survey of 76 institutions, 94% of PhD students reported disruption to research due to Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent public lockdown.[1] The disruption has disproportionately impacted on those with childcare responsibilities and disabilities. Research students reported suffering financial concerns, lack of resources, a lack of support, loss of access to training and skills development. These have compounded mental health difficulties, research restrictions and stress, leading to one in five students reporting that they are considering leaving their studies.[2]
Present government guidance has noted that research students should work from home if they can do so.[3] Thus the above disruption looks set to continue, and students face additional stress with many having to make substantive research adjustments.
Back on Track
The aim of this ‘Back on Track’ programme would, through five one-to-one coaching sessions, get research students who are struggling during lockdown to get ‘back on track’ with their research work. The programme would aim to help them establish work-life patterns that are healthy, realistic, balanced and productive within the limitations of their current circumstances.
The programme consists of five one-to-one coaching sessions; researchers receive full notes of the session discussions highlighting their reflections, agreed actions for the following week, and links to any useful resources and contacts. Sessions are also a space where the researchers can share concerns and worries, and provide an opportunity for signposting to additional services whether they relate to wellbeing, social connection or academic support.
At present spaces are only available for researchers at CHASE institutions. We are planning to extend this programme for community leaders and community researchers in the coming months, please get in touch if you are interested and we will keep you posted as developments take place!
Contact: heather@magneticideals.org
[1] “The Impact of Covid-19 and the UK Public Lockdown on Postgraduate Research Students in the UK,” accessed January 25, 2021, https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/the-impact-of-covid-19-and-the-uk-public-lockdown-on-postgraduate-research-students-in-the-uk.
[2] “The Impact of Covid-19 and the UK Public Lockdown on Postgraduate Research Students in the UK.”
[3] “Students Returning to, and Starting Higher Education, in Spring Term 2021 – Guidance for Higher Education Providers” (Department for Education, January 2021), https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/950583/Students_returning_to_and_starting_higher_education_in_Spring_Term_2021_FINAL_v3.pdf.