Regulators open inquiry into University of Greater Manchester amid fraud claims

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Richard Adams Education editorDecember 4, 2025 at 04:41 PM

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The University of Greater Manchester (formerly the University of Bolton) is under investigation by the Office for Students (OfS) due to allegations of financial misconduct, bribery, and bullying. The OfS inquiry will assess the university's management and governance. This follows a police investigation into suspected fraud and bribery, including searches of multiple properties and discussions with the Serious Fraud Office. The investigations were prompted by reports of financial irregularities, including questionable payments to a recruitment partner in Morocco. The university's vice-chancellor and two senior staff members have been suspended, and staff have expressed no confidence in the leadership, citing concerns about racism and incompetence.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Phil Brickell 30% Manchester Mill ×240% PricewaterhouseCoopers 50% Sir George Holmes ×260% Greater Manchester police ×380% University of Greater Manchester ×9100%

Keywords

fraud 90% financial misconduct 80% higher education regulator 70% bribery 70% office for students 70% university 60% internal investigation 50% governance 50% bullying 40% financial irregularities 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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fraud financial misconduct higher education regulator bribery office for students university internal investigation governance bullying financial irregularities

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