This 2-hour online course introduces professionals in any sector to the evidence about why and how there is value in more effectively supporting fathers. The course introduces research about why fathers matter and how father involvement benefits the whole family, understanding the diverse support needs and circumstances of fathers and male caregivers, including those implicated in post-separation contexts, and ‘what works’ in being father-inclusive. Interactive time is also provided to explore sector specific challenges and approaches.

Anna Tarrant is Professor of Sociology at the University of Lincoln, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Founder of the Centre for Innovation in Fatherhood and Family Research, and a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences (FAcSS). Her expertise centres on father-inclusion and the development, delivery, and evaluation of training, consultancy, and research-informed practice designed to improve services and outcomes for fathers and families.

Since January 2020, she has led an impactful qualitative longitudinal and participatory programme of research funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme, Following Young Fathers Further. This study explores the parenting journeys and support needs of young fathers and has pioneered longitudinal co-creation methods designed to strengthen professional practice and embed father-inclusive approaches within gender equality and social justice agendas. Key innovations from this work include the co-creation of the Grimsby Dads Collective, the production of educational videos for DigiDAD , a multi-award-winning e-learning platform for young fathers, and the Father-inclusion Hub, a living archive showcasing effective strategies for engaging men as fathers.

An experienced researcher, educator, and innovator, Anna Tarrant has published widely on fatherhood, poverty, welfare, and advanced qualitative methodologies. Including recent booksFathering and Poverty (2021), Men, Families and Poverty (2023, with Kahryn Hughes), and The Dynamics of Young Fatherhood (2024, with Bren Neale).