The University of Greater Manchester is facing an investigation by England's higher education regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), amid allegations of financial misconduct, bribery, and bullying. The OfS will examine whether the university, formerly known as the University of Bolton, had adequate management and governance arrangements in place, and whether it upheld public interest governance principles.
The university could face fines or sanctions if found to have breached conditions of its registration. This investigation follows a police inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities, launched after reports by the Manchester Mill news site. Greater Manchester Police have been investigating suspected fraud and bribery, and have carried out searches of seven properties.
Sir George Holmes, the vice-chancellor for over 20 years, was suspended along with two senior staff after an internal investigation by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The university stated the suspensions were precautionary and did not imply guilt. The Serious Fraud Office has been involved in discussions with police over the case.
The Manchester Mill reported that senior staff attempted to send hundreds of thousands of pounds in tuition fees to a private company via a recruitment partner in Morocco, and paid the same company millions in marketing fees. Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, wrote to the education secretary expressing disappointment at the OfS's lack of urgency in investigating the matter.
University staff passed a vote of no confidence in Holmes and the executive. The University and College Union expressed concern over allegations of racism, financial irregularity, and incompetency, calling for honesty and transparency from senior leaders.
