New independent Members join the Ethics & Integrity Commission

The EIC is delighted to welcome three new independent Members to the Commission, following their appointment by the Prime Minister.  The new Members will begin their five-year terms with the Commission on 01 August 2026.  

The new appointees are: 

Dr Samuel Power

Dr Samuel Power is a Lecturer in Politics in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies at the University of Bristol. He specialises in political financing, electoral integrity and ethical standards.

As a Parliamentary Academic Fellow, he has provided expert advice and briefings to the House of Commons Library as a part of their Parliament and Constitution Centre. He has also consulted for the Committee on Standards in Public Life and numerous international bodies on political finance reform, anti-corruption and digital campaigning.

Nicola Driver

Nicola Driver is an Independent Complaints Assessor for the Department for Transport and an Ombudsman for the New Homes Ombudsman Service.

She has over fifteen years of experience in public sector accountability through her work with the Ethical Standards Commissioner, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Her expertise focuses on standards, governance, and independent administrative review.

Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou

Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Ethics at the University of Essex. She 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.