Criminologist to report to PM in new government ethics role

Essex’s Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou has been elected an independent member of a new government commission which will report to the Prime Minister on ethical standards related to public life.

The high-profile role will see Dr Hadjimatheou work with colleagues on the Ethics and Integrity Commission to promote the highest standards of public life for MPs and officials across all levels of government.

The commission will also advise public authorities on the development of clear codes of conduct with effective oversight arrangements.

Dr Hadjimatheou, from the Department of Sociology and Criminology, said: “The ethics and integrity commission is the leading body on standards in public life in the UK, sitting at the heart of government. It advises and supports public sector bodies, reports annually to the PM on the health of standards in public life, and produces in-depth reports on cutting issues in public ethics.

“I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to contribute to its work.

“I’ve been writing and thinking about public ethics for many years, advising and supporting various public, research and governmental bodies on ethical conduct, and this is a chance to go to the heart of things.”

The Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) was launched on 13 October 2025, replacing the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Dr Hadjimatheou’ s new role will begin on August 1. She is one of four new independent members who have been appointed to the commission.

The Cabinet Office said: “The new Independent Members announced today bring a wealth of valuable experience from a range of different sectors.

“They will join the Commission for a non-renewable term of 5 years.”

Dr Hadjimatheou, who is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Ethics, holds several independent advisory positions across the public and international sectors, providing ethical oversight to bodies including the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office.

She also advises Essex County Council, policing organisations, and the European Commission.