Police probe 'concerning practices' at university

The University of Greater Manchester was formerly known as Bolton University

Police are investigating allegations of "concerning practices" at the University of Greater Manchester, Parliament has heard.

Commons leader Lucy Powell MP said police were involved after "very serious allegations" were made against the Bolton institution.

It comes following reports published by the Manchester Mill about allegations of racism, financial misconduct and bullying at the university.

The university said it had commissioned an independent investigation into "recent allegations reported in the press" and would not comment further until that had been concluded.

Greater Manchester Police said: "We have received The Mill's allegations and are liaising with our fraud unit about what next steps are necessary."

Speaking in the Commons on Thursday, Powell was responding to a question from Bolton West MP Phil Brickell, who said he had been contacted by several whistle-blowers with further allegations.

Powell said the Office for Students, who independently regulate higher education in England, was also "looking into" the claims.

Commons leader Lucy Powell discussed the matter in Parliament

Brickell told Parliament: "Recent reports published by the Manchester Mill about racism, financial misconduct and bullying at the University of Greater Manchester in Bolton have significantly damaged the reputation of that institution over the last few weeks.

"Those reports have also led to a significant number of whistle-blowers contacting me with further allegations about concerning practices at the university."

He said the university's position as a key institution in Bolton receiving significant public funding meant "it must be transparent and accountable, as must the Office For Students".

He called on Powell to schedule a debate.

Conduct of staff

Powell, who is also MP for Manchester Central, said: "The Office for Students are looking into these very serious allegations and are engaging with the provider.

"I'm aware the police are involved as well. The Office for Students does have a number of sanctions available, were such allegations to be proved."

The university said in a statement: "The university has commissioned an independent investigation into recent allegations reported in the press relating to the conduct and affairs of senior personnel working for, or on behalf of, the university."

It said the investigation would be overseen by the university's audit committee and "until we have the outcome, it would be inappropriate to comment any further".

The university, which has about 900 staff, was formerly known as the University of Bolton until a name change was announced in December 2024.

According to its website, it has a global student body of around 11,000.