The Office for Students (OfS) has been accused of inaction over a probe into alleged fraud, bullying, and mismanagement at the University of Greater Manchester. MP Phil Brickell claims the regulator failed to act on whistleblower reports and media investigations for nearly a year, leaving students and staff worried.
With approximately 11,000 students and 3,500 staff affected, local MP Mr Brickell says the 'glacial' speed of the OfS's response has caused considerable harm. He points out that the regulator's inaction undermines confidence in its ability to regulate higher education effectively, particularly during a challenging period.
Mr Brickell, whose constituency neighbours the university campus, received multiple calls from students, staff, and alumni expressing concerns about poor governance at the institution. In a strongly worded letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, he detailed the 'significant delay' by the OfS in announcing its formal investigation.
The inquiry was sparked after an extensive investigation by the Manchester Mill news site began in February, with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) opening their own inquiries into financial irregularities. In June, detectives searched properties connected to suspected fraud and bribery. The university commissioned a PricewaterhouseCoopers inquiry in the spring, which led to the suspension of its vice-chancellor, Professor George Holmes, and two other senior staff members.
Mr Brickell first raised his concerns with the OfS in March but received little response until the regulator's recent announcement. He believes the OfS's delay suggests a regulator not fully engaged with its responsibilities and has sought an explanation from both the OfS and the Education Secretary.