The House of Commons confirmed the police have joined the Office for Students (OfS)- the higher education regulatory body in England- in investigating the university formerly known as the University of Bolton.
Bolton West MP, Phil Bricknell said 'An independent news site named Manchester Mill, recently reported accusations of 'racism, financial misconduct and bullying [which] have significantly damaged the reputation of that institution over the last few weeks'.
The published report has led to a significant number of whistleblowers reaching out to the Labour MP. 'with further allegations highlighting concerning practices at the university that are receiving significant public funding. It must be transparent and accountable, as must the Office for Students.'
A spokesperson from Greater Manchester University shared they 'have commissioned an external company to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations against senior personnel working for or on behalf of the university'. They highlighted 'the investigation will be overseen by the university’s audit committee. Until we have the outcome of that investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment any further'.
Bricknell said 'the university’s importance to Bolton 'cannot be overstated', and that the allegations needed to be addressed'. House of Commons Leader Lucy Powell said the Office for Students were also 'looking into' the claims.
The University of Greater Manchester was known as Bolton University until the office of Students approved the name change in December last year. The university has around 900 members of staff and according to the website has 11,000 students.