The police are currently investigating “serious allegations” at the University of Greater Manchester, including claims of financial misconduct, racism, and bullying. Lucy Powell, the leader of the House of Commons, confirmed that the police have joined the Office for Students in their investigation into the allegations at the university, which was previously known as the University of Bolton.
Phil Brickell, the Labour MP for Bolton West, requested time for MPs to discuss the allegations that emerged from whistleblowers and detailed reporting by Manchester Mill, an independent news site. Brickell stated that recent reports have damaged the university’s reputation and that a significant number of whistleblowers have come forward with further allegations.
The University of Greater Manchester has initiated an independent investigation into the allegations involving PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the audit committee will oversee the process. The university has not commented further until the conclusion of the investigation.
Brickell has also written to Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, expressing concerns about the funding of an off-campus site in Morocco and allegations of bullying and racism. Brickell claims to have received numerous complaints highlighting concerning practices within the university, suggesting a misuse of public funds.
In February, Neil O’Brien, a shadow education minister, questioned ministers in parliament over the “extremely concerning reports” involving the university, including attempts to pay large sums to relatives of the university’s managers and a shell company in Casablanca. The University of Greater Manchester was previously known as the University of Bolton before the Office for Students approved its name change request in December.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/07/university-of-greater-manchester-allegations-racism-financial-misconduct
