Investigation launched into ‘very serious allegations’ made about University of Greater Manchester

The police is investigating allegations made of “concerning practices” at the University of Greater Manchester, formerly University of Bolton.

Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, told the House of Commons that he had been approached by several whistle-blowers at the university over allegations of financial misconduct, bullying and racism. These allegations were also published in The Mill.

According to The Mill, it is alleged that senior figures within the institution had been caught making racist remarks, and the university has been accused of allowing financial malpractice involving a privately owned company.

Detailing his concerns to parliament, Mr Brickell said: “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.

“Given the university’s position as a key institution in Bolton and receiving significant public funding it must be transparent and accountable, as must the Office For Students. Can the leader of the house provide government time for a debate on this concerning matter?”

One of the senior figures said to be involved in the scandal, Joseph Wheeler, has reportedly been accused of diverting thousands of pounds in tuition fees to his private company, RSM.

He had been appointed as executive director of marketing communications, before being “let go with immediate effect” following the release of an audio clip where, The Mill reported, he is heard to make racist remarks about international students.

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The Mill also reported that it found messages between Mr Wheeler and other members of staff following his dismissal that include a request for a large sum of money to be paid into a private, Dubai-based account. These have not been seen by The Manchester Tab.

The local news site’s investigations also alleged that a deal was formed between the university and Mr Wheeler’s private marketing company, supposedly to attract more international students to the institution in return for a 40 per cent commission fee on the tuition of students from certain territories.

In response to Mr Brickell, the leader of the House of Commons and Manchester Central MP, Lucy Powell, stated: “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.”

University of Greater Manchester has previously explained that it had launched an independent investigation into the allegations, and is declining to comment further until this has been concluded.

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson from the university said: “The university has commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct 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.

“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.”

Joseph Wheeler has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded. 

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