Office for Students Delays Formal Investigation into University of Greater Manchester Amid Allegations
The Office for Students (OfS) has been delaying a formal investigation into suspected fraud, bullying, and mismanagement at the University of Greater Manchester, which affects approximately 11,000 students. The delay has drawn criticism from Bolton West MP Phil Brickell, who accused the OfS of being "asleep at the wheel" after nearly a year of inaction despite reports from whistleblowers and media investigations.
The OfS only announced its investigation in December 2025, more than six months after initial reports from the Manchester Mill and inquiries by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) began between February and June 2025. GMP opened inquiries into suspected fraud and bribery, with financial irregularities investigated following inquiries in May 2025 and searches in June 2025.
In May 2025, the university suspended its vice-chancellor, Professor George Holmes, and two senior staff members as a precautionary measure, with no implication of guilt. Concurrently, the university’s governing body commissioned an inquiry by PwC in the spring of 2025.
Notably, the OfS had approved the university's name change from University of Bolton to University of Greater Manchester in 2024. Throughout the ongoing situation, MP Phil Brickell has pressed for greater transparency and accountability from the regulator.
