ABSTRACT
In the UK, education is a devolved matter, with each of the countries having separate systems under separate governments, and the UK government is responsible for higher education (HE) in England. This chapter considers the extent to which adopting a ‘compassion first’ approach could prevent, or help us address, some or all of the unfortunate (or deliberate as some might argue) consequences of neoliberal HE policies and associated measures. In other words, whether compassion can serve as an antidote. It argues that compassion has the potential to counteract the harmful effects of policies that have compelled universities to think and act like businesses in mutual competition. The chapter addresses a number of important questions: Are notions of compassion and caring antiquated, rendered anachronistic by educational policies that are largely driven by neoliberal ideology? Or, does compassion hold the potential to challenge and subvert the market-driven reforms, assuming that this would be desirable and beneficial? Could such notions form the foundation for a ‘back-to-the-future’ partnership or alliance of staff, students, and others with similar visions for a more inclusive—in terms of stakeholders and participation—and empowering higher educational system in England and elsewhere?
