Police are currently investigating severe claims of financial wrongdoing, racism, and bullying at the University of Greater Manchester, previously known as the University of Bolton, as disclosed in the House of Commons by Lucy Powell, the leader of the House.
The investigations, prompted by alarming reports from whistleblowers and coverage by the independent news outlet Manchester Mill, have brought significant negative attention to the university.
Phil Brickell, the Labour MP for Bolton West, has urged for a parliamentary debate on these issues, citing the necessity for transparency and accountability given the university’s central role in Bolton and its substantial receipt of public funds.
Powell emphasised the grave nature of these allegations, acknowledging both the Office for Students and the police’s involvement in scrutinising the claims.
Meanwhile, the university has enlisted PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an independent review of the allegations concerning the conduct of senior personnel, with oversight from the university’s audit committee.
Brickell has also contacted Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, voicing his concerns about financial practices related to an off-campus site in Morocco and other serious allegations of bullying and racism.
He expressed disappointment with the Office for Students for what he perceives as a sluggish response and has planned a meeting with the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof George Holmes, to discuss further.
These developments follow inquiries by Neil O’Brien, a shadow education minister, who raised concerns in parliament regarding questionable financial arrangements, including substantial payments to relatives of university managers and transactions with a purported shell company in Casablanca.
The University of Greater Manchester, which adopted its new name following approval from the Office for Students in December of the previous year, remains at the centre of these troubling allegations.
