For a relationship perspective on geographical ethics

We draw on a particular way of doing research – as volunteer practitioners based in community‐based organisations – to propose a relationship‐centred perspective on geographical ethics. Grounded in a wider rationale driven by socio‐spatial justice, politics of care, and emotional work, the paper reflects on praxes of doing geographical research as volunteer‐practitioners and considers how dimensions of relationship‐forging in community settings can translate to, and enrich, the agendas of research, teaching, impact, and collegiality in academic geography, even for those whose work does not unfold from community‐based partnerships. The paper makes a three‐fold call: for more nuanced recognition of the potential role of relationships in geographical working; for proliferation and nurturing of diverse academic outcomes; and for legitimisation of relationship praxes beyond normative forms of written outputs.