Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, founded in 1988 unites on a National, European and International basis, Civil Society Organisations, University Professors, Business Leaders, Government officials and Professionals, such as Chartered Accountants and Bankers.
Registered Charity Number 1045986
The Centre
The Centre is a leading global organisation with its mandate to promote ethical practices, standards of conduct for businesses and governments and is committed to providing advisory services on request.
Also, our Ethics Centre brings together leaders, businesses and government to share their knowledge and perspectives at Conferences, Seminars and publishes books and articles. The Centre unites civil society leaders, academia, government officials, business executives and professionals in its research, dissemination and advisory methodology.
Founder and Director — Dr Rosamund M Thomas. Read her profile.
The Centre undertakes research on all the subjects listed below. If you would like a research assignment undertaken, please contact us. In addition, the Centre can direct research for short term visitors to Cambridge from academia, business and government.
We assist business companies and governments globally with consultancy/advisory services. The Centre has already given specialist advice to the Cadbury Committee on Corporate Governance; The UK Law Commission; The House of Lords; the UK Committee on Standards in Public Life (then the Nolan Committee); and the US President’s Ethics Law Reform Commission among others.
From our Track Record
Keynote addresses, seminars, conferences and advice to governments and professional bodies, from Cambridge, U.K. and Washington, D.C. to New Delhi, Beijing, Auckland and Melbourne, recorded year by year.
Publications
Books on business ethics, corporate governance, environmental ethics and corporate social responsibility, with research findings published in leading journals.
What people say
“An expansive and successful Center in the UK which emphasizes business, environmental and government ethics.” Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Donate Now
Please donate to our Centre’s work. All these future developments of the Centre, together with the ongoing research and related work, depend on corporate funding and other donations and grants.
General Information about the Centre
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, founded in 1988 unites on a National, European and International basis, Civil Society Organisations, University Professors, Business Leaders, Government officials and Professionals, such as Chartered Accountants and Bankers.
Rosamund M Thomas, M.A. (Cantab); Postdoctoral (Harvard, USA); M.Soc.Sc. & Ph.D. (Birmingham, England); Dip.Soc.Admin (Southampton, England); Undergraduate (Sorbonne, France); Hon. Doctorate University of Suffolk, UK. Read more about the Director, Trustees and Associates.
The Centre’s fields of research, teaching and expertise include:
and other ethics/corporate social responsibility subjects founded on the core disciplines and practices of law, business management, political science, public policy and administration, environmental sciences and other social sciences.
The Centre undertakes research on all the subjects listed below. If you would like a research assignment undertaken, please contact us. In addition, the Centre can direct research for short term visitors to Cambridge from academia, business and government.
The Centre is a leading global organisation with its mandate to promote ethical practices, standards of conduct for businesses and governments and is committed to providing advisory services on request.
Also, our Ethics Centre brings together leaders, businesses and government to share their knowledge and perspectives at Conferences, Seminars and publishes books and articles. The Centre unites civil society leaders, academia, government officials, business executives and professionals in its research, dissemination and advisory methodology.
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics also collaborates with the University of Cambridge and its Colleges.
Registered Charity Number 1045986
People
The Centre unites, on a National, European and International basis, Civil Society Organisations, University Professors, Business Leaders, Government officials and Professionals.
Rosamund M Thomas, M.A. (Cantab); Postdoctoral (Harvard, USA); M.Soc.Sc. & Ph.D. (Birmingham, England); Dip.Soc.Admin (Southampton, England); Undergraduate (Sorbonne, France); Hon. Doctorate University of Suffolk, UK.
ROSAMUND THOMAS, Ph.D., M.Soc. Sc., MA (Cantab), Dip. Soc. Admin.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director, Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, is an expert in Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics, and Business Management, as well as Government Ethics. She has read these subjects at the University of Birmingham (UK); Harvard University to doctoral and postdoctoral levels (USA); has taught and examined in these subjects at the London School of Economics and Political Science (1978-83), before undertaking further research in Cambridge University as a Senior Research Fellow.
Dr Thomas has separate higher degree qualifications in Social Administration and Social Policy and Development Administration and Policy in respect of Third World countries.
She is also an expert in Law having been a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Law of the University of Cambridge (1983-1987), and a Member (1987-1991). Dr Thomas has published books and articles covering all these fields of Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, Development Administration, Sustainable Development and Social Policy and Administration. She has given written and oral evidence and Conference assignments to distinguished bodies, including:
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, UK, was founded in 1988 as a Centre of Expertise under Dr Thomas’ Directorship.
The Centre’s expertise, and that of Dr Thomas, its Director, is relevant, well-researched, and of high quality, ready to meet the needs of both practising business enterprises, and educational institutions on a global basis.
Dr Rosamund Thomas has practised in the Bank of England, British manufacturing industry and in Government. She is able to co-ordinate critical issues in practice with ‘best ideas’ and to act as a Consultant to nations and others seeking leadership, direction and expertise in these fields.
Mr Colin Stewart, ACIB
Trustee
Mr Gary Mallett, MLIA
Trustee
Dr Rosamund Thomas
Founder and Trustee
The Centre records with gratitude the service of its early trustees, who with Dr Thomas guided its work through its first decade as a charitable trust.
The Lord Campbell of Croy, MC, PC
Founding Trustee, 1990–2000
Gordon Campbell, Lord Campbell of Croy (1921–2005), was Secretary of State for Scotland from 1970 to 1974 and MP for Moray and Nairn from 1959 to 1974. A trustee of the Centre from 1990 to 2000, he spoke of the Centre’s work in the House of Lords on 5 July 1996.
Gordon Thomas Calthrop Campbell was born in Quetta, British India, on 8 June 1921. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1939 and served through the Second World War from 1940, winning the Military Cross and Bar before being invalided out in 1947 with the honorary rank of major. He then served in the Foreign Office, with postings in New York and Vienna, until 1957.
He entered the House of Commons as Conservative Member of Parliament for Moray and Nairn in October 1959 and held the seat until February 1974. He was Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland from 1969 and, when Edward Heath formed his government in June 1970, became Secretary of State for Scotland, serving until March 1974. He was sworn of the Privy Council and appointed a Deputy Lieutenant.
Created a life peer as Baron Campbell of Croy in January 1975, he remained an active member of the House of Lords for thirty years, speaking on Scottish affairs, the environment and standards in public life. His later roles included Vice-President of the Advisory Committee on Pollution of the Sea (1976–1984) and chairmanship of Scottish boards in business.
Lord Campbell was a trustee of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics from 1990 to 2000. On 5 July 1996, in a House of Lords debate on society’s moral and spiritual well-being, he told the House: “I am a trustee of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics based in Cambridge”, and noted that the Centre had contributed papers to Lord Nolan’s secretariat on standards in public life (Hansard, vol. 573, cols. 1718–1719). He died in London on 26 April 2005.
Sir Mark Russell, KCMG
Founding Trustee, 1990–2000
Sir Robert Mark Russell KCMG (1929–2005) was a senior British diplomat: Ambassador to Turkey from 1983 to 1986 and Deputy Under-Secretary of State and Chief Clerk at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1986 to 1989. He was a trustee of the Centre from 1990 to 2000.
Robert Mark Russell was born in Scotland on 3 September 1929, the son of Sir Robert Russell of the Indian Civil Service. He was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, and Exeter College, Oxford, and did his National Service in the Royal Artillery from 1952 to 1954 before joining the Foreign Service.
His early postings took him to Budapest (1956–1958), where he witnessed the Hungarian Uprising, and to Berne. After a spell in the Foreign Office he served in Kabul as Head of Chancery (1965–1967), in the Diplomatic Service administration, as Commercial Counsellor in Bucharest (1970–1973) and as Counsellor and then Head of Chancery at the Embassy in Washington (1974–1978). He was Deputy Chief Clerk and Chief Inspector of the Diplomatic Service from 1978 to 1982 and then an Assistant Under-Secretary of State.
He was British Ambassador to Turkey from 1983 to 1986, and ended his career as Deputy Under-Secretary of State and Chief Clerk at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1986–1989), responsible for the administration of the Diplomatic Service. He was appointed CMG in 1977 and KCMG in 1985.
In retirement he settled in Scotland. He organised the Europe Redefined seminar at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities in 1991 and became Chairman of the Commonwealth Institute, Scotland, a role recorded in Hansard on 29 March 1994. Sir Mark was a trustee of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics from 1990 to 2000. He died on 11 July 2005.
Harry Vernon
Senior Fellow
Harry Vernon is a founding member of Phyla Earth, Climate Securities and Venator Group, and Managing Partner at Fortessa Partners. He brings 25 years’ experience to cross-border transactions, CSR-led investment and blended finance with governments and multinationals. He represented Phyla Earth through its UNCCD accreditation and develops financing structures to catalyse investment in land regeneration, increase soil carbon and improve farmers’ incomes and livelihoods, aligning commercial objectives with environmental and public benefit.
Mohammed Asif
Senior Fellow
Mohammed Asif is a former Executive Director of Plan International (India Chapter) and Board member of Empower Foundation and former Board Chair of Sphere India Network. He has nearly three decades of experience in development and humanitarian leadership and has contributed to policy, action research and grassroots development with leading international and national organisations. He has provided supportive supervision to more than 500 development and MERL projects with combined budgets of more than US$250 million. His expertise is in social inclusion, institutional accountability and partnerships across governments, businesses and civil society organisations, supporting the Centre’s focus on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, ethical leadership and public welfare.
Farhan Asif
Research Associate
Farhan Asif is Principal at Climate Securities and Managing Director of Praks Partners. His experience spans private equity, mergers and acquisitions, financial modelling and data science, including roles with Singhania & Co. and Dure Technologies. He brings an analytical perspective to investment accountability, due diligence and the responsible use of data, supporting the Centre’s focus on ethical finance and informed decision-making.
Ayesha Khan
Operations and Engagement Coordinator
Ayesha Khan is a corporate finance professional at Singhania & Co., supporting mergers and acquisitions through financial analysis, transaction execution and stakeholder engagement. An MBA graduate of the University of Greenwich, she brings a perspective on transparent decision-making, responsible business transactions and stakeholder interests, contributing to the Centre’s work on ethical corporate conduct and accountability.
The Centre has some 25 distinguished Associates globally who collaborate with our activities, including Spain, Belgium, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, China, India, Pakistan, Latin America and Africa.
Associates include:
Professor Gavin Drewry (Royal Holloway, London)
Emeritus Professor of Public Administration and Honorary Fellow, Royal Holloway, University of London; Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Saxon Brettell of Cambridge, UK
Confederation of British Industry
Mark Hassall, Moneyology, Cambridge
Robert Van de Weyer, Economist, Cambridge
Dr Nick Duncan (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) Researcher
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Simon Willans, M.A. (Oxon)
Professor Francesc Torralba, Càtedra Ethos, Ramon Llull University (Spain)
Philosopher and Professor at Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, where he holds the Càtedra Ethos in applied ethics.
Professor Dr J. Jose-Félix Lozano, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain
Professor of Business Ethics, Universitat Politècnica de València; doctorate in moral philosophy.
Guillem Casoliva-Cabana, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Netherlands
Visiting Fellow, Department of Business-Society Management, Rotterdam School of Management; research on organisational ethics programmes and team ethical culture.
Professor Dr Marko Trajkovic, Nis University, (Serbia)
Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Niš.
Professor Dr Can Aktan, Dokuz Eylul University, (Turkey)
Political economist; Professor, Faculty of Economics and Management, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir.
Professor James S Bowman, Florida State University, USA
Professor Emeritus, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University; author of Public Service Ethics; Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Professor Dr Adela J. Gondek, Lecturer, Columbia University, New York, USA
Lecturer at Columbia University, teaching ethics at the School of International and Public Affairs and the Climate School; research in environmental and sustainability ethics, public ethics and corruption.
Caterpillar Inc, USA
Associate Professor Dr Ernesto Santibanez Gonzalez, University of Talca, Chile
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Talca; sustainability, climate change and operations research.
Dr Professor Dr B S Ghuman (India)
Professor of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh; Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, 2017–2020; recipient of the Paul H. Appleby Award.
T.S. Krishnamurthy (India)
Chief Election Commissioner of India, 2004–2005; formerly Secretary, Department of Company Affairs, Government of India.
Research Institute, People’s Republic of China
Professor Ronald D Francis (Australia)
Professor Emeritus, College of Law and Justice, Victoria University, Melbourne.
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics also collaborates with the University of Cambridge and its Colleges.
Associates are listed as recorded by the Centre. The lines in italics are drawn from public sources and are to be confirmed with each Associate.
Activities
The Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, in pursuit of its vision, purpose and mission is committed to three key workstreams:
The Centre has developed its own unique lateral methodology across a number of disciplines to research complex ethical, social and environmental issues. By this method, the Centre has created a databank and a unique body of knowledge. The Centre’s founding trustee, Dr Rosamund Thomas’s published book (Espionage & Secrecy), published by Routledge, won a prize in the USA in 1991 for its outstanding scholarship and has since been re-published in 2016 and 2017. See Espionage and Secrecy at Routledge.
The Centre also disseminates its research knowledge by the following means:
The Centre undertakes research on all the subjects listed below. If you would like a research assignment undertaken, please contact us. In addition, the Centre can direct research for short term visitors to Cambridge from academia, business and government.
The Centre has undertaken a number of projects for external bodies including an analysis of pressures facing chartered accountants in business for the London Society of Chartered Accountants and a series of Research Reports for a leading Spanish bank.
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics has held numerous international Conferences since 1988 in Cambridge, and in other locations, attended by academics, government leaders, and top businessmen.
The Centre has hosted 17 major Seminars in Cambridge since 1995 for delegations from the People’s Republic of China and also sent a representative to Seminars organised by the University of Guelph, Canada; the British Embassy, Madrid; the Institute of Directors, City of London branch; The British Council; Wilton Park; and the British Assn. for Central and Eastern Europe.
We assist business companies and governments globally with consultancy/advisory services. The Centre has already given specialist advice to the Cadbury Committee on Corporate Governance; The UK Law Commission; The House of Lords; the UK Committee on Standards in Public Life (then the Nolan Committee); and the US President’s Ethics Law Reform Commission among others.
Leading Universities, distinguished business executives and government officials have visited the Centre in Cambridge, including from the Body Shop; Bovince Ltd.; Caterpillar Inc. USA; HM Treasury; the UK Cabinet Office; INSEAD; and the University of Tartu, Ulikool, Estonia.
Recognition
The Centre is developing a voluntary programme to recognise businesses, and the leaders within them, whose conduct meets a clear standard of ethical practice.
Recognition is based on evidence of what a company actually does: how it is governed, how it treats its people, customers, suppliers and communities, and how it accounts for its effect on the environment. Assessment is independent and criteria are published, so that a certificate means the same thing wherever it is held.
Certification runs for a fixed period and is renewed on fresh evidence. It is designed to sit alongside, not replace, a company’s legal duties, and is being adapted first to Indian corporate social responsibility law with partners in India, with further countries to follow.
A voluntary Responsible Business Certificate for companies, assessed independently against published criteria covering governance, people, customers, suppliers, communities and the environment.
Recognition of individual leaders, boards and management teams whose decisions demonstrate integrity, accountability and lasting public benefit.
Courses for boards, managers and staff in ethics and anti-corruption, ESG, climate ethics and sustainability, and AI governance, with certificates reflecting the learning and assessment completed.
Webinars
The Centre convenes online discussions that bring thought leaders from business, government, academia and civil society together on the ethical questions of the day.
Each webinar takes a single question from the Centre’s fields of work, AI and ethics, recent CSR developments, corporate governance and anti-corruption among them, and examines it with practitioners and researchers from more than one country. Sessions are recorded and summaries are published, so that the discussion adds to the Centre’s body of knowledge.
Dates and topics for the coming programme will be announced here.
The Centre invites experts to express their interest in contributing to its webinars, as a speaker or as a participant. Please tell us your field, the question you would like to address and the organisation you represent.
Email info@ethicscentre.org with the subject “Webinars”.
Collaborations and plans
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, has been a collaborator on the Higher Education Ethics project to provide the UK’s first Ethics Framework for Universities and other Higher Education establishments.
The Centre is continuing work with lawyers and chartered accountants in the UK, and other countries, on the relevance to them of Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Rights and Ethics.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was the Gourlay Visiting Professor in Business Ethics at Trinity College, The University of Melbourne, for four weeks from 6th September 2014. She welcomed this invitation and looks forward to continuing to work with Australian colleagues.
The Centre will continue to liaise with the European Commission and European Parliament on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental ethics/sustainable development.
The Centre held a UK-Brazil conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 24th June 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
Ongoing comparative research on ‘Government Ethics’ and ‘Business Ethics/Corporate Social Responsibility’ between Europe and China will continue by the Centre.
The Centre held a UK-China conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 12th April 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics looks forward to further collaboration with the Katholische Universität, Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Bavaria, and the separate International Centre for Ethics in Finance (ICEF), Germany, of which Dr Rosamund Thomas is a Board member.
Dr Rosamund Thomas participated as an expert at a workshop on Corruption at the Central European Business School, Budapest, on 26-27 March 2012
Funds from business corporations and other bodies are sought for joint research projects on ‘Environmental Sustainability in India’, and ‘Ethics in Government and Anti-Corruption’.
The Centre held a UK-India conference/seminar at Magdalene College, Cambridge on 8th April 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
The Centre looks forward to continuing to interact with the CSR Lebanon Forum, Beirut.
The Centre held a UK-Russia conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 17th June 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
The Centre is entering its nineteenth year of close collaboration with Spanish corporations on ‘Business Ethics’ and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ and with Spanish Universities. Dr Thomas the Centre’s Director, then Chair of Research Group RC48 of the International Political Science Association (IPSA), attended the IPSA Conference, Madrid, 8 - 12 July 2017.
The Centre values its links with the United Nations, the World Bank, OECD, International Labour Office (ILO), and other international bodies, which have established policies in the fields of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Government Ethics, Anti-Corruption and Environmental Sustainability and will develop them further.
The Centre seeks to strengthen all these links and activities to further the aims of international relations and research as well as ‘best practice’ in business, government and the professions.
All these future developments of the Centre, together with the ongoing research and related work, depend on corporate funding and other donations and grants .Donate now.
Keynote Addresses and Lectures etc at Home and Abroad
A record of the Centre’s work in its own words, from its founding in Cambridge to the present, with the photographs, programmes and press cuttings kept by the Centre. Scroll to travel through the years.
River Cam - Cambridge
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, UK, was founded in 1988 as a Centre of Expertise under Dr Thomas’ Directorship.
The Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, founded in 1988 in Cambridge unites, on a national, European and international basis, university professors, businessmen, government officials and professionals, such as chartered accountants and bankers.
‘The convictions of Ernest Saunders, Gerald Ronson, Anthony Parnes and Sir Jack Lyons, who is yet to be sentenced, caused some commentators to suggest that determining what is ethical behaviour is hard to pin down in the midst of a fast-moving, expensive and competitive takeover…
“The Guinness convictions could not be called a triumph for ethics, only the legal system”, Dr Thomas [Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge] said. “The case, however, gives an opportunity for disparate ethical practice in the country to consolidate. New legislation…needs to be supported by ethical practices because laws are coercive and not designed to change motivation.”’
The Times September 5, 1990
The Centre’s founding trustee, Dr Rosamund Thomas’s published book (Espionage & Secrecy), published by Routledge, won a prize in the USA in 1991 for its outstanding scholarship and has since been re-published in 2016 and 2017.
Washington, DC, 1994
The Centre’s Director addressed a 90 nation international Conference on ‘Ethics in Government’ hosted by the US Federal Government in 1994.
Delegates from the People’s Republic of China at a Centre Seminar in Cambridge
The Centre has hosted 17 major Seminars in Cambridge since 1995 for delegations from the People’s Republic of China and also sent a representative to Seminars organised by the University of Guelph, Canada; the British Embassy, Madrid; the Institute of Directors, City of London branch; The British Council; Wilton Park; and the British Assn. for Central and Eastern Europe.
‘Balance is the key to ethical practice, says Rosamund Thomas - and Beijing is listening. Kevin Kwong meets the British expert’.
Hong Kong Sunday Morning Post February 11, 1996
The House of Lords chamber · UK Government photograph, OGL v3.0
On 5 July 1996, Lord Campbell of Croy referred to the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics in the House of Lords, in his role as a trustee, highlighting the Centre’s contribution of papers to Lord Nolan’s secretariat on standards in public life.
House of Lords, 5 July 1996, vol. 573, cols. 1718–1719 · Official Hansard record
Brisbane, 1996
Dr Rosamund Thomas gave a keynote address to an international Conference hosted by the State Government of Queensland in 1996.
‘Officials from the People’s Republic of China paid a visit to the city - to tap into local government expertise.
A team of officials from the country attended a Seminar hosted by the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, which has a worldwide reputation for its work on codes of practice and legislation covering how senior civil servants behave…’
Cambridge Evening News November 29, 1996
Chandigarh, 1997
In association with the British High Commission, New Delhi, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office London, and the British Council, India, the Centre’s Director Dr Thomas undertook an extensive Lecture tour of Universities, public sector bodies and chambers of commerce in India and Pakistan. Dr Thomas also gave an address to the International Bar Association international Conference, New Delhi, 1997, on ‘Lessons to be learnt from the Bhopal Disaster and other Industrial Accidents’.
‘”Emphasis should be laid on evolving ethics not only in public life but also in universities and within the public services to promote sound government and business practices.” This was stated by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics Cambridge while delivering her key-note address at the Indo-British Seminar on “Ethics in Public Life” at the ICSSR Complex here today.
The Seminar was jointly organised by the Department of Public Administration and the British High Commission, New Delhi…’
Chandigarh Newsline November 12, 1997
‘”Thirteen years after the Bhopal disaster, the protracted proceedings which followed the accident have thrown open vital technological and legal issues. Experts are divided on whether the high risk anti-ecological technology industry should be replaced by more human eco-conformable technology.”
Stating this here today, Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, said that important lessons needed to be drawn from the accident. Earlier, she had presented a paper on “Lessons from the Bhopal Case and other industrial accidents” at the International Bar Association Conference, New Delhi’.
Chandigarh Newsline November 11, 1997
‘Each country has to formulate its own fundamental ethical principles to create the kind of society, government and business it requires. However, it is possible to learn from international developments…These views were expressed by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge while talking to media persons here today’.
The Tribune (India) November 11, 1997
European Commission, Brussels, 1999
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a keynote speaker to the European Commission Conference on the subject of ‘Environmental Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Perspectives for the Future’
IPSA Conference, Quebec City, 2000
The Centre’s Director was elected Co-Chair of the IPSA Research Group RC48. In that capacity Rosamund Thomas chaired sessions and acted as Commentator alongside Professor R D Sharma and Professor F W Riggs.
Ottawa, 2000
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a speaker at the international Conference on ‘Ethics in the Public Sector’ attended by the then Prime Minister of Canada the Hon. Jean Chrétien. Her paper was published later in the US Journal ‘Public Integrity’ of the American Society for Public Administration, Summer 2001.
Rosamund Thomas es directora del Centro para la Ética Empresarial y del Sector Público
CincoDias 6 de Octubre de 2000
Two Centre Associates visiting Cambridge from India, 2001
Two Centre Associates visiting Cambridge from India, 2001
The Centre collaborated with leading conference organisers in London to run a conference on ‘Accountability and Ethics in the Public Sector’.
Programme for Madrid Conference, 2001
The Centre’s Director addressed senior executives and students in Madrid, Spain on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics in Europe’ in association with BBVA, ZEIA, the Spanish Railways, Renfe, and the University Complutense, Madrid.
Richard Howitt, MEP, 2001
The Centre’s Director participated in a Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, 27-28 November 2001, hosted under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union with the European Commission.
Centre’s Director with Chinese Government Minister, March 2002
A delegation from Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics visited representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from 17 -24 March 2002, for a series of Seminars on ‘Ethics in Government’ in Beijing and Shanghai.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, and others with the Chinese delegation in Cambridge, June 2002.
A third delegation to the Centre in Cambridge from the Government of the People’s Republic of China for a follow up Seminar on ‘Ethics in Government and Anti-Corruption’, 17 June 2002.
UK - China Forum for Chief Executive Officers, Shanghai, October 2002
An innovative UK - China Forum for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) led by the British Consulate General Shanghai and attended by Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director. Congratulations to Paul Sizeland, then British Consul General Shanghai, for this excellent initiative!
Chen Liangyu (Mayor of Shanghai) and Patricia Hewitt (Secretary of State for Trade and Industry) attended the CEO Forum.
Bill Alexander, Thames Water; Peter Batey, APCO Shanghai Office; Dr. Albert Bert Bennet, CEIBS; Sir David Brown, Motorola; Lance Browne, Standard Chartered Bank; Willem Burgers, CEIBS; Sir Colin Campbell, Nottingham University; Hong Chen, Shanghai Guangdian; Peter De Wit, Shell Gas & Power Regional Director; Sir John Egan, CBI; Vernon Ellis, Accenture; Mark Ferguson, Manchester University; Jianhua Fu, Bank of Shanghai; Fiona Gilmore, Springpoint; Ian Gow, Nottingham University Business School; Simon Heale, London Metal Exchange; Yongzheng Hui, Shanghai Innovation Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Christopher Hum, British Ambassador; Digby Jones, CBI; Roy Leighton, Credit Lyonnais; Gong Li, Accenture; Ji Liu, CEIBS; Yongxing Liu, East Hope Group; Liz Padmore, Accenture; Yongming Lu, Hua Lian Group; Jack Ma Yun, Alibaba.com; Guoqiang Ma, Bao Steel; William Molbey, CEIBS; Peter Nightingale, China - Britain Business Council; Paul Sizeland, British Consul General Shanghai; Wenyan Ren, Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce; Steve Ridgeway, Virgin Atlantic; Ian Rushby, BP Group; Robin Saxby, ARM Holdings, Wenqing Shen, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Andrew Summers, Design Council; Rosamund Thomas, Cambridge; Rosalie Tung, CEIBS; BoWang, Accenture; Jiafen Wang, Brightness Dairies; Andrew Williams, Jardines Group; David Wood, Symbian; Shengwu Xie, Jiaotong University; Fujia Yang, Fudan University; Guohua Zhang, CEIBS; Linde Zhang, Shanghai Telecom; Peiping Zhang, CCPIT; Yixing Zhang, Shanghai Municipal Government; Huajun Zhong, Friendship Group; Congjiu Zhu, Shanghai Stock Exchange; Linchu Zhu, Development Research Centre of Shanghai Municipal Government; Xiaoming Zhu, Shanghai Municipal Government
A Seminar group in Cambridge, November 2003
A fourth delegation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China visited the Centre for a week of Seminars on ‘Ethics in Government and Anti-Corruption & Business Ethics.’
The Seminar group in Cambridge, May 2004
A fifth delegation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China visited the Centre for a Seminar on ‘Teaching Citizenship’.
BBVA’s Madrid Office
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, addressed some 60 senior bank Managers and Directors at BBVA bank on the subject of ‘Business Ethics and Corporate Reputation’.
Athens, Greece, October 2004
The Centre’s Director was invited to participate in the European Federation, and Hellenic Association, of Management Consultants’ Conference.
The IBA Conference Session, Auckland, October, 2004
Dr Rosamund Thomas spoke in the Showcase Session on ‘Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility’ at the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference.
The Seminar in progress Cambridge, December 2004 Copyright Prophotography.co.nz
A sixth delegation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China attended a Seminar given by the Centre on ‘Excellence and Ethics in the Public Service’.
Madrid, May 2005
A representative from the Centre (Dr Rosamund Thomas) spoke at the Reputation Institute’s 9th Conference held in Madrid, Spain, 19th May 2005.
International Bar Association Annual Conference, Prague, 2005
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a speaker at the International Bar Association Annual Conference, Prague, The Czech Republic, 25-30 September 2005.
Dr Rosamund Thomas addressed leaders from all three UK Armed Services at the UK Defence Academy on 17th January 2006
The Global Conference on Social Responsibility, Vilamoura, 2006
The Centre’s Director, Dr Rosamund Thomas, spoke at ‘The Global Conference on Social Responsibility’ which took place in Vilamoura, Portugal, 16-18 February 2006.
Cancun, Mexico, 2006
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a Keynote Speaker at the Fourth Latin American Convention on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ for the oil and gas industries of the region, 19 - 20 July 2006.
Athens, Greece, 2007
The Centre’s Director was a speaker at a conference entitled, ‘Doing Business Socially ’07’ held in May 2007 by a leading group of Greek companies.
Madrid, Spain, 2008
The Centre’s Director was a participant in a symposium on ‘Managing Diversity in Business Schools’ organised by ESADE Business School, Madrid Campus, Spain on 23 June 2008.
Ashridge Business School, UK, 2008
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was a Speaker at the 6th Annual PhD Conference of the European Academy of Business in Society held at Ashridge Business School, 13 September 2008.
Round Table, Carmona, Seville, 2008
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, delivered a paper on ‘Equality and Diversity’ at a Round Table held at Carmona, Seville, Spain, 13-14 November 2008.
The Seminar delegates in Cambridge, September 2009
A senior delegation from the Government of the P.R. of China attended a Centre Seminar on “Ethics and Anti-Corruption”.
One of the Seminar groups in Cambridge, October 2009
Three Chinese delegations from the Government of the P.R. of China attended high-level Seminars held by the Centre in October 2009.
Delegates from Beijing financial institutions who attended 5 days of Seminars (12 - 16 August 2010) in Cambridge run by the Centre
Six different delegations from central and municipal government bodies in China and Chinese Universities visited the Centre during 2010
Dr Adeye Adewole and Mr Fatusi Omogbemi O. from COPE-AFRICA in Cambridge. 16 October 2010
Two executives from COPE - AFRICA based in Nigeria, visited the Centre for talks on anti-corruption in October 2010.
John Marshall, UK Trade & Investment (middle back row), a speaker at the Seminars, 10-14 January 2011
5 days of Seminars for Shanghai Creative Industries’ delegates.
Roundtable on ‘New Routes for Global Finance’, Brussels, May 2011.
The Centre’s Director was invited to attend a high-level banking Roundtable in Brussels on 19 May 2011.
Dr R. Thomas, speaking, and Ms Susan Bird (far left) of the European Commission, Brussels, September 2011.
Dr R. Thomas, the Centre’s Director spoke at an event organised at the European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels, 6 September 2011.
Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, 29 September 2011
The Centre’s Director was a Guest Speaker at Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, and the Jordi Pujol Centre, Barcelona, 28 - 30 September 2011.
Dr Thomas addressing ACFA members on ‘Justice in the Banking and Financial Services Worlds’, 2 November 2011
Dr R. Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was a Keynote Speaker at the Annual Conference of the Association of Christian Financial Advisers (ACFA)
Seminars for Shanghai Municipal government officials, Cambridge, November 2011
Another 5 days of Seminars for Shanghai Municipal government officials
The 2nd CSR Lebanon Forum at which Dr Thomas spoke (1st photo shows Professor David Grayson, another speaker), 1st December 2011
The Centre’s Director was a Speaker at the 2nd CSR Lebanon Forum on ‘Banking & Finance 2012: The Social Risk’.
A Seminar run for the Chinese State Bureau for Letters and Calls, 15 December 2011
Numerous other Seminars were run by our Centre for visiting Chinese Government Officials from January to December 2011.
Dr Rosamund Thomas participated as an expert at a workshop on Corruption at the Central European Business School, Budapest, on 26-27 March 2012
Visits for the senior Shanghai Media delegates during November 2012 included meeting the Mayor of Cambridge in the Council Chamber, Cambridge City Council
A series of 5-day Seminars was held by our Centre for a Shanghai Media delegation of top television and newspaper executives.
Many other Seminars took place for visiting senior Chinese delegations to our Centre during 2013.
Academic, business, and government participants at the one-day ESRC/Centre UK-Brazil Seminar held in Cambridge on 24 June 2013
The Centre ran 4 separate seminars in 2013 for the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) on BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). These one-day seminars brought together UK academic researchers to meet business and government representatives from each of these 4 countries in turn.
The Centre held a UK-India conference/seminar at Magdalene College, Cambridge on 8th April 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
The Centre held a UK-China conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 12th April 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council
The Centre held a UK-Russia conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 17th June 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
The Centre held a UK-Brazil conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 24th June 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
Senior Shanghai television and press executives, together with the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, following his address to the delegates on 21 August 2013.
During 2013 our Centre held 8 intensive seminars at different dates for visiting senior delegates from numerous Ministries of the Central Government of the P.R. of China, as well as from Chinese local governments. These seminars included 5 days from 19-23 August 2013 for Shanghai television and press executives under the auspices of Shanghai Municipal Government.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, and other panel speakers, at the London Global Convention of the Institute of Directors, India.
Leadership for Creating Value through Good Governance and Business Excellence - Institute of Directors, India. LONDON GLOBAL CONVENTION 2013 incorporating 13th International Conference on Corporate Governance & Sustainability.
Pro Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University with his colleagues and Rosamund Thomas. Image courtesy of Deakin University.
Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, held the Gourlay Visiting Professorship in Business Ethics at Trinity College in The University of Melbourne, for 4 weeks 3 September - 3 October 2014. Under this Visiting Professorship, she spoke at other Melbourne institutions including Deakin University.
The Centre’s founding trustee, Dr Rosamund Thomas’s published book (Espionage & Secrecy), published by Routledge, won a prize in the USA in 1991 for its outstanding scholarship and has since been re-published in 2016 and 2017.
Espionage and Secrecy: the Official Secrets Acts of the United Kingdom 1911-1989. Book may be purchased directly by applying to Routledge Revivals or from bookshops.
Delegates from Jilin province at the Cambridge seminar held on 1st July 2016.
The Centre held a one-day seminar for delegates from the Jilin State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, P.R. of China.
Delegates from the State Council of the P.R. of China at the seminar held in Cambridge on 15 August 2016.
A one-day seminar run by the Centre for delegates from the Research Office of the State Council, P.R. of China.
The University of Suffolk Graduation Ceremony, Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral, 1st October 2016 Photograph taken by Ede & Ravenscroft
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was honoured to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk, in association with the Universities of Essex and East Anglia, at the West Suffolk College Graduation Ceremony (part of the University of Suffolk) held on 1st October 2016 in Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral, UK.
Dr Thomas the Centre’s Director, then Chair of Research Group RC48 of the International Political Science Association (IPSA), attended the IPSA Conference, Madrid, 8 - 12 July 2017.
Dr Rosamund Thomas receiving a plaque following her speech at the Plenary Session, 25 October 2017.
The Centre’s Director spoke at the “London Global Convention on Corporate Governance and Sustainability” of the Indian Institute of Directors.
Professor Dr Frank Zschaler speaking at this Congress held at the Katholische University, Eichstätt, 16-17 November 2017.
The Centre accepted to send a speaker to the Congress on Finance and Ethics, led by Professor Frank Zschaler of the Katholische University, Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany.
PLACE 21: Three Years of Activities (2017-2019), West Suffolk College, Second Report, December 2019
The Centre collaborated for 3 years from 2017-2019 with West Suffolk College, part of the University of Suffolk, UK, on a new learning programme entitled “PLACE 21” for which the Centre devised the “Ethics and Sustainability” Module.
Our Centre also drew up two Reports for West Suffolk College on PLACE 21 during the 3 years, the final (2nd) Report is shown here.
Climate Change as a Challenge for the Ethical Acting of Companies in the Global Context, Ramon Llull Journal of Applied Ethics, June 2020
Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre, published her 22-page paper in the Journal of Applied Ethics, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, in the June 2020 edition. This paper is available from the Centre at info@ethicscentre.org or from Ramon Llull University at mrosas@rectorate.url.edu. An earlier version was delivered at the Katholische University, Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany.
This independent review features the Church of England’s Ethical Investment policies and practices, including ESG and the Church’s Stewardship and Engagement activities.
Published Oct. 2020, available as an ebook from info@ethicscentre.org price £25.00+pp
“The world needs more than ever the work you do at the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics.”
From an email dated 22 December 2021 from the CEO of Spanish organisation, “Corporate Excellence”, Sr Angel Alloza
Arteixo, Spain: Inditex’s Headquarters. One of the Company’s well-known brands is Zara. The Centre has collaborated with Inditex on CSR for many years.
The Centre provided a written piece to the leading Spanish firm, INDITEX S.A., on the UK Slavery Act.
We also collaborated on Ethics with the UK environmental company PHYLA EARTH.
Building on its work since 1988, the Centre proposes three new programmes of research in business ethics and corporate social responsibility.
Scroll to travel through the years
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, UK, was founded in 1988 as a Centre of Expertise under Dr Thomas’ Directorship.
The Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, founded in 1988 in Cambridge unites, on a national, European and international basis, university professors, businessmen, government officials and professionals, such as chartered accountants and bankers.
‘The convictions of Ernest Saunders, Gerald Ronson, Anthony Parnes and Sir Jack Lyons, who is yet to be sentenced, caused some commentators to suggest that determining what is ethical behaviour is hard to pin down in the midst of a fast-moving, expensive and competitive takeover…
“The Guinness convictions could not be called a triumph for ethics, only the legal system”, Dr Thomas [Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge] said. “The case, however, gives an opportunity for disparate ethical practice in the country to consolidate. New legislation…needs to be supported by ethical practices because laws are coercive and not designed to change motivation.”’
The Times September 5, 1990
The Centre’s founding trustee, Dr Rosamund Thomas’s published book (Espionage & Secrecy), published by Routledge, won a prize in the USA in 1991 for its outstanding scholarship and has since been re-published in 2016 and 2017.
The Centre’s Director addressed a 90 nation international Conference on ‘Ethics in Government’ hosted by the US Federal Government in 1994.
The Centre has hosted 17 major Seminars in Cambridge since 1995 for delegations from the People’s Republic of China and also sent a representative to Seminars organised by the University of Guelph, Canada; the British Embassy, Madrid; the Institute of Directors, City of London branch; The British Council; Wilton Park; and the British Assn. for Central and Eastern Europe.
‘Balance is the key to ethical practice, says Rosamund Thomas - and Beijing is listening. Kevin Kwong meets the British expert’.
Hong Kong Sunday Morning Post February 11, 1996
On 5 July 1996, Lord Campbell of Croy referred to the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics in the House of Lords, in his role as a trustee, highlighting the Centre’s contribution of papers to Lord Nolan’s secretariat on standards in public life.
House of Lords, Society’s Moral and Spiritual Well-being, 5 July 1996, vol. 573, cols. 1718–1719 · Official Hansard record
Dr Rosamund Thomas gave a keynote address to an international Conference hosted by the State Government of Queensland in 1996.
‘Officials from the People’s Republic of China paid a visit to the city - to tap into local government expertise.
A team of officials from the country attended a Seminar hosted by the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, which has a worldwide reputation for its work on codes of practice and legislation covering how senior civil servants behave…’
Cambridge Evening News November 29, 1996
In association with the British High Commission, New Delhi, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office London, and the British Council, India, the Centre’s Director Dr Thomas undertook an extensive Lecture tour of Universities, public sector bodies and chambers of commerce in India and Pakistan. Dr Thomas also gave an address to the International Bar Association international Conference, New Delhi, 1997, on ‘Lessons to be learnt from the Bhopal Disaster and other Industrial Accidents’.
‘”Emphasis should be laid on evolving ethics not only in public life but also in universities and within the public services to promote sound government and business practices.” This was stated by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics Cambridge while delivering her key-note address at the Indo-British Seminar on “Ethics in Public Life” at the ICSSR Complex here today.
The Seminar was jointly organised by the Department of Public Administration and the British High Commission, New Delhi…’
Chandigarh Newsline November 12, 1997
‘”Thirteen years after the Bhopal disaster, the protracted proceedings which followed the accident have thrown open vital technological and legal issues. Experts are divided on whether the high risk anti-ecological technology industry should be replaced by more human eco-conformable technology.”
Stating this here today, Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, said that important lessons needed to be drawn from the accident. Earlier, she had presented a paper on “Lessons from the Bhopal Case and other industrial accidents” at the International Bar Association Conference, New Delhi’.
Chandigarh Newsline November 11, 1997
‘Each country has to formulate its own fundamental ethical principles to create the kind of society, government and business it requires. However, it is possible to learn from international developments…These views were expressed by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge while talking to media persons here today’.
The Tribune (India) November 11, 1997
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a keynote speaker to the European Commission Conference on the subject of ‘Environmental Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Perspectives for the Future’
The Centre’s Director was elected Co-Chair of the IPSA Research Group RC48. In that capacity Rosamund Thomas chaired sessions and acted as Commentator alongside Professor R D Sharma and Professor F W Riggs.
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a speaker at the international Conference on ‘Ethics in the Public Sector’ attended by the then Prime Minister of Canada the Hon. Jean Chrétien. Her paper was published later in the US Journal ‘Public Integrity’ of the American Society for Public Administration, Summer 2001.
Rosamund Thomas es directora del Centro para la Ética Empresarial y del Sector Público
CincoDias 6 de Octubre de 2000
Two Centre Associates visiting Cambridge from India, 2001
The Centre collaborated with leading conference organisers in London to run a conference on ‘Accountability and Ethics in the Public Sector’.
The Centre’s Director addressed senior executives and students in Madrid, Spain on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics in Europe’ in association with BBVA, ZEIA, the Spanish Railways, Renfe, and the University Complutense, Madrid.
The Centre’s Director participated in a Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, 27-28 November 2001, hosted under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union with the European Commission.
A delegation from Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics visited representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from 17 -24 March 2002, for a series of Seminars on ‘Ethics in Government’ in Beijing and Shanghai.
A third delegation to the Centre in Cambridge from the Government of the People’s Republic of China for a follow up Seminar on ‘Ethics in Government and Anti-Corruption’, 17 June 2002.
An innovative UK - China Forum for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) led by the British Consulate General Shanghai and attended by Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director. Congratulations to Paul Sizeland, then British Consul General Shanghai, for this excellent initiative!
Chen Liangyu (Mayor of Shanghai) and Patricia Hewitt (Secretary of State for Trade and Industry) attended the CEO Forum.
Bill Alexander, Thames Water; Peter Batey, APCO Shanghai Office; Dr. Albert Bert Bennet, CEIBS; Sir David Brown, Motorola; Lance Browne, Standard Chartered Bank; Willem Burgers, CEIBS; Sir Colin Campbell, Nottingham University; Hong Chen, Shanghai Guangdian; Peter De Wit, Shell Gas & Power Regional Director; Sir John Egan, CBI; Vernon Ellis, Accenture; Mark Ferguson, Manchester University; Jianhua Fu, Bank of Shanghai; Fiona Gilmore, Springpoint; Ian Gow, Nottingham University Business School; Simon Heale, London Metal Exchange; Yongzheng Hui, Shanghai Innovation Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Christopher Hum, British Ambassador; Digby Jones, CBI; Roy Leighton, Credit Lyonnais; Gong Li, Accenture; Ji Liu, CEIBS; Yongxing Liu, East Hope Group; Liz Padmore, Accenture; Yongming Lu, Hua Lian Group; Jack Ma Yun, Alibaba.com; Guoqiang Ma, Bao Steel; William Molbey, CEIBS; Peter Nightingale, China - Britain Business Council; Paul Sizeland, British Consul General Shanghai; Wenyan Ren, Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce; Steve Ridgeway, Virgin Atlantic; Ian Rushby, BP Group; Robin Saxby, ARM Holdings, Wenqing Shen, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Andrew Summers, Design Council; Rosamund Thomas, Cambridge; Rosalie Tung, CEIBS; BoWang, Accenture; Jiafen Wang, Brightness Dairies; Andrew Williams, Jardines Group; David Wood, Symbian; Shengwu Xie, Jiaotong University; Fujia Yang, Fudan University; Guohua Zhang, CEIBS; Linde Zhang, Shanghai Telecom; Peiping Zhang, CCPIT; Yixing Zhang, Shanghai Municipal Government; Huajun Zhong, Friendship Group; Congjiu Zhu, Shanghai Stock Exchange; Linchu Zhu, Development Research Centre of Shanghai Municipal Government; Xiaoming Zhu, Shanghai Municipal Government
A fourth delegation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China visited the Centre for a week of Seminars on ‘Ethics in Government and Anti-Corruption & Business Ethics.’
A fifth delegation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China visited the Centre for a Seminar on ‘Teaching Citizenship’.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, addressed some 60 senior bank Managers and Directors at BBVA bank on the subject of ‘Business Ethics and Corporate Reputation’.
The Centre’s Director was invited to participate in the European Federation, and Hellenic Association, of Management Consultants’ Conference.
Dr Rosamund Thomas spoke in the Showcase Session on ‘Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility’ at the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference.
A sixth delegation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China attended a Seminar given by the Centre on ‘Excellence and Ethics in the Public Service’.
A representative from the Centre (Dr Rosamund Thomas) spoke at the Reputation Institute’s 9th Conference held in Madrid, Spain, 19th May 2005.
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a speaker at the International Bar Association Annual Conference, Prague, The Czech Republic, 25-30 September 2005.
Dr Rosamund Thomas addressed leaders from all three UK Armed Services at the UK Defence Academy on 17th January 2006
The Centre’s Director, Dr Rosamund Thomas, spoke at ‘The Global Conference on Social Responsibility’ which took place in Vilamoura, Portugal, 16-18 February 2006.
Dr Rosamund Thomas was a Keynote Speaker at the Fourth Latin American Convention on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ for the oil and gas industries of the region, 19 - 20 July 2006.
The Centre’s Director was a speaker at a conference entitled, ‘Doing Business Socially ’07’ held in May 2007 by a leading group of Greek companies.
The Centre’s Director was a participant in a symposium on ‘Managing Diversity in Business Schools’ organised by ESADE Business School, Madrid Campus, Spain on 23 June 2008.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was a Speaker at the 6th Annual PhD Conference of the European Academy of Business in Society held at Ashridge Business School, 13 September 2008.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, delivered a paper on ‘Equality and Diversity’ at a Round Table held at Carmona, Seville, Spain, 13-14 November 2008.
A senior delegation from the Government of the P.R. of China attended a Centre Seminar on “Ethics and Anti-Corruption”.
Three Chinese delegations from the Government of the P.R. of China attended high-level Seminars held by the Centre in October 2009.
Six different delegations from central and municipal government bodies in China and Chinese Universities visited the Centre during 2010
Two executives from COPE - AFRICA based in Nigeria, visited the Centre for talks on anti-corruption in October 2010.
5 days of Seminars for Shanghai Creative Industries’ delegates.
The Centre’s Director was invited to attend a high-level banking Roundtable in Brussels on 19 May 2011.
Dr R. Thomas, the Centre’s Director spoke at an event organised at the European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels, 6 September 2011.
The Centre’s Director was a Guest Speaker at Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, and the Jordi Pujol Centre, Barcelona, 28 - 30 September 2011.
Dr R. Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was a Keynote Speaker at the Annual Conference of the Association of Christian Financial Advisers (ACFA)
Another 5 days of Seminars for Shanghai Municipal government officials
The Centre’s Director was a Speaker at the 2nd CSR Lebanon Forum on ‘Banking & Finance 2012: The Social Risk’.
Numerous other Seminars were run by our Centre for visiting Chinese Government Officials from January to December 2011.
Dr Rosamund Thomas participated as an expert at a workshop on Corruption at the Central European Business School, Budapest, on 26-27 March 2012
A series of 5-day Seminars was held by our Centre for a Shanghai Media delegation of top television and newspaper executives.
Many other Seminars took place for visiting senior Chinese delegations to our Centre during 2013.
The Centre ran 4 separate seminars in 2013 for the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) on BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). These one-day seminars brought together UK academic researchers to meet business and government representatives from each of these 4 countries in turn.
The Centre held a UK-India conference/seminar at Magdalene College, Cambridge on 8th April 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
The Centre held a UK-China conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 12th April 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council
The Centre held a UK-Russia conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 17th June 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
The Centre held a UK-Brazil conference/seminar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on 24th June 2013 - in association with the UK Economic & Social Research Council.
During 2013 our Centre held 8 intensive seminars at different dates for visiting senior delegates from numerous Ministries of the Central Government of the P.R. of China, as well as from Chinese local governments. These seminars included 5 days from 19-23 August 2013 for Shanghai television and press executives under the auspices of Shanghai Municipal Government.
Leadership for Creating Value through Good Governance and Business Excellence - Institute of Directors, India. LONDON GLOBAL CONVENTION 2013 incorporating 13th International Conference on Corporate Governance & Sustainability.
Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, held the Gourlay Visiting Professorship in Business Ethics at Trinity College in The University of Melbourne, for 4 weeks 3 September - 3 October 2014. Under this Visiting Professorship, she spoke at other Melbourne institutions including Deakin University.
The Centre’s founding trustee, Dr Rosamund Thomas’s published book (Espionage & Secrecy), published by Routledge, won a prize in the USA in 1991 for its outstanding scholarship and has since been re-published in 2016 and 2017.
Espionage and Secrecy: the Official Secrets Acts of the United Kingdom 1911-1989. Book may be purchased directly by applying to Routledge Revivals or from bookshops.
The Centre held a one-day seminar for delegates from the Jilin State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, P.R. of China.
A one-day seminar run by the Centre for delegates from the Research Office of the State Council, P.R. of China.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, was honoured to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk, in association with the Universities of Essex and East Anglia, at the West Suffolk College Graduation Ceremony (part of the University of Suffolk) held on 1st October 2016 in Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral, UK.
Dr Thomas the Centre’s Director, then Chair of Research Group RC48 of the International Political Science Association (IPSA), attended the IPSA Conference, Madrid, 8 - 12 July 2017.
The Centre’s Director spoke at the “London Global Convention on Corporate Governance and Sustainability” of the Indian Institute of Directors.
The Centre accepted to send a speaker to the Congress on Finance and Ethics, led by Professor Frank Zschaler of the Katholische University, Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany.
The Centre collaborated for 3 years from 2017-2019 with West Suffolk College, part of the University of Suffolk, UK, on a new learning programme entitled “PLACE 21” for which the Centre devised the “Ethics and Sustainability” Module.
Our Centre also drew up two Reports for West Suffolk College on PLACE 21 during the 3 years, the final (2nd) Report is shown here.
Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre, published her 22-page paper in the Journal of Applied Ethics, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, in the June 2020 edition. This paper is available from the Centre at info@ethicscentre.org or from Ramon Llull University at mrosas@rectorate.url.edu. An earlier version was delivered at the Katholische University, Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany.
This independent review features the Church of England’s Ethical Investment policies and practices, including ESG and the Church’s Stewardship and Engagement activities.
Published Oct. 2020, available as an ebook from info@ethicscentre.org price £25.00+pp
“The world needs more than ever the work you do at the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics.”
From an email dated 22 December 2021 from the CEO of Spanish organisation, “Corporate Excellence”, Sr Angel Alloza
The Centre provided a written piece to the leading Spanish firm, INDITEX S.A., on the UK Slavery Act.
We also collaborated on Ethics with the UK environmental company PHYLA EARTH.
Building on its work since 1988, the Centre proposes three new programmes of research in business ethics and corporate social responsibility.
Publications
Research findings published in a range of journals and newspapers, and books carrying the Centre’s work.
Do we uphold ethics in Government by law or by example?
How can corporate responsibility and environmental ethics be encouraged?
A Comparison of British and American Ideas 1900 - 1939.
Chapter 15 by Dr Rosamund Thomas, MM Publishing, 2006
Chapter 4 by Rosamund Thomas, Icfai University Press, India, 2008
1st edition, March 2011
Dr Rosamund Thomas, 2013
Dr Rosamund Thomas, 2014
Lectures by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Melbourne, 2015
Published October 2020
Routledge Revivals, 2016 and 2017
Book Publications
The Centre has a number of ebooks based on our research which are available to purchase for £25 each on request to the Centre at info@ethicscentre.org.
Teaching Ethics, Volume Two
Edited by Dr Rosamund M. Thomas · 2011
ISBN 978-1-871891-13-3
Ten chapters by distinguished authors from the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Nigeria and beyond on the ethical issues facing today’s interconnected business world.
Ebook · £25
Dr Rosamund Thomas · 2013
ISBN 978-1-871891-16-4
Two research reports: on the Board and the role of the Company Secretary in a UK quoted company, and on the principles underlying the UK Bribery Act 2010.
Ebook · £25
Francesc Torralba, Miquel Seguró and Rosamund Thomas · 2014
ISBN 978-1-871891-18-8
Two leading Spanish professors re-visit nature and eco-ethics, and the Bhopal disaster is brought up to date to 2014.
Ebook · £25
Teaching Ethics, Volume Five
Dr Rosamund M. Thomas · 2015
ISBN 978-1-871891-21-8
Eight original lectures given by Dr Rosamund Thomas in Melbourne, Australia, as the Gourlay Visiting Professor of Ethics in Business, 2014–15.
Ebook · £25
Dr Rosamund Thomas · October 2020
ISBN 978-1-871891-23-2
This independent review features the Church of England’s Ethical Investment policies and practices, including ESG and the Church’s Stewardship and Engagement activities.
Ebook · £25
Rosamund Thomas · Routledge Revivals, 2017
ISBN 978-1-138-68691-5 (paperback)
The prize-winning legal account of the UK Official Secrets Acts 1911–1989, first published in 1991 and re-published by Routledge.
Published by Routledge
DVD
A unique DVD on ‘Ethics and Anti-Corruption’
The DVD comprises 5 Modules:-
These Modules are designed for use globally by government leaders, civil servants, businessmen, bankers, academics, and other interested persons and institutions.
Essential for legal reform; policy advice; policy implementation; education; training and learning, to meet the UN Global Compact 10th Principle and the UN Convention Against Corruption. Also useful for FTSE4Good Anti-Corruption criteria.
Copies from or enquiries to Email: info@ethicscentre.org
Commendations
Commendations about Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics have been given ranging from the Legal Adviser to the Spanish Parliament; leading US universities; the State Government of Queensland; the US Federal Government, and others. Extracts are given below.
CECorporate ExcellenceFrom an email dated 22 December 2021 from the CEO of Spanish organisation, “Corporate Excellence”, Sr Angel Alloza:
“The world needs more than ever the work you do at the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics.”
In an email from the CEO & Director of the Indian Institute of Directors (IOD), New Delhi, Mr Manoj K Raut, dated 27 January 2017:
“The Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics has been doing a great work over these years. IOD is delighted to receive your comments on our Handbook on the topic ‘Business Ethics’. They have truly put an insight to our understanding on the topic.”
In an email dated 2 November 2016 from Mr Jean-Pierre Kingsley, Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa, Canada, and former Chief Electoral Officer of Elections, Canada 1990-2007:
“You have truly established a centre of excellence and if I can ever be of assistance in America…please let me know.”
From an email from Professor Emeritus, Ronald D. Francis, College of Law and Justice, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia, dated 2 June 2015:
“It was a privilege to be able to attend the working breakfast at The Athenaeum, Melbourne, where you gave your lecture, and to catch up again. Thank you for your book of the Gourlay Lectures. It is very much appreciated.”
From an email from Dr Joshua Kirshner, Durham University, UK dated 27 June 2013:
“Thank you again for inviting me to attend the ESRC/CBPSE event on Brazil. I really enjoyed it, and I loved having the chance to see a bit of Cambridge University and the town. I hope to return at some point, as I found it a fascinating place with all its layers of history”.
NLNabas Legal International LawyersFrom an email from Mr Herman Santiago, Global Executive Client Relations at Nabas Legal International Lawyers, London dated 26 June 2013:
“We were very delighted to be invited and give our business view of the challenges in Brazil. We shall discuss your papers internally to ensure clients are made aware of them”.
From an email from Professor Philip Shapira, Manchester Business School, (University of Manchester, UK) dated 19 June 2013:
“…just to say thanks for inviting me to the recent ESRC/Russia seminar. It was very interesting. I learned a lot, and made some good new contacts. Many thanks”.
CSRCSR LebanonFrom an e-mail dated 5 December 2011 to Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, from Khaled Kassar, Founder and CEO of CSR Lebanon:-
“I would like to thank you very much for the time, effort and valuable information [you] provided at the CSR Lebanon Forum last Thursday the 1st December 2011. Your presentation and participation were very inspiring to everyone who attended the Forum… Allow me to say as well that your company was very enjoyable…”
CEJPJordi Pujol Centre (CEJP), BarcelonaFrom an e-mail dated 21 September 2011 to Dr Rosamund Thomas, the Centre’s Director, from Miquel Calsina, Manager of the Jordi Pujol Centre (CEJP), Barcelona, Spain:-
“Mr Jordi Pujol and the CEJP were delighted with your presentation on the Roundtable… the attendants enjoyed your speech. It will be a pleasure for us to contact you again…”.
From an e-mail dated 19 September 2011 to the Centre’s Director from Sharron Xu of the European Institute For Asian Studies, Brussels, Belgium:-
“Thank you again for the fascinating presentation during the event on the 6 September”.
From an e-mail dated 15 September 2011 to the Centre’s Director from Sarah Wilkinson, Financial Director at Field FisherWaterhouse, LLP:-
“I wanted to write to thank you for a fascinating and insightful talk yesterday evening”.
ACFAAssociation of Christian Financial AdvisersFrom an e-mail dated 7 September 2011 to the Centre’s Director, from Aidan Vaughan, Chairman of the Association of Christian Financial Advisers (ACFA):-
“On behalf of the ACFA I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talk. I have bought the book…”. [“Business Ethics ISBN 1978-1-871891-04 -1]
From an e-mail dated 17 November 2008 to Dr Rosamund Thomas, from Dr Estrella Bernal Cuenca, Management Department, University of Zaragoza, Spain:-
“… I am working on the business ethics issue and found your presentation [at the Round Table, Seville, Spain, 13-14 November 2008] really interesting. Therefore it would be nice to have a piece of your work, I am sure I can find some inspiration”.
EABISEuropean Academy of Business in SocietyFrom an e-mail dated 23 September 2008 to the Centre’s Director from Dr Pablo Collazzo-Yelpo, Director of Academic Affairs, European Academy of Business in Society, Brussels, Belgium:-
“I didn’t want to delay… My gratitude for your valuable contribution to the PhD Conference at Ashridge. I look forward to new opportunities for collaboration”.
From a letter dated 18 September 2008 to the Centre’s Director, Dr Rosamund Thomas, from the Executive Director of Communications and Head Repsol YPF Chairman’s Office at Madrid, Spain:-
“It is my pleasure to send you Repsol YPF’s Corporate Responsibility Report 2007… I would like especially to thank and highlight your participation in this report. Your independent opinion about the most relevant issues for the oil and gas sector contributes greatly to increase the added value for the stakeholders”.
From a letter to Dr Rosamund Thomas dated 13th April 2007 from Richard Howitt, MEP (East of England Region) :-
“I have attended, and spoken at, a seminar which Dr. Rosamund Thomas organised on the subject of “Corporate Social Responsibility” held at Robinson College, Cambridge University, and I know she has many years experience organising seminars for European and International participants”.
From an email dated 14th November 2006 to the Centre’s Director, Dr Rosamund Thomas, from Jocelyn Mei, Organiser of the Session for delegates to London from the China National Petroleum Corporation :-
“Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation and introduction today! I am pleased to tell you that our delegates have a very positive feedback and mentioned that the information you shared is really useful. We really enjoy[ed] the time with you “.
From an email dated 7th August 2006 to Dr Rosamund Thomas from Javed Badshah, Islamia College, University of Peshawar, Pakistan :-
“You have ever been kind and encouraging for establishing academic links between your Centre and our institution. “.
From a letter to Dr Rosamund Thomas from Air Commodore P.W. Gray of the Defence Academy, UK, dated 18th January 2006:-
“Your session was delivered with passion and an excellent knowledge of the subject “.
FCLFoundation for Church LeadershipFrom a letter to the Centre’s Director, Dr Rosamund Thomas, from Canon Malcolm Grundy, Director, Foundation for Church Leadership, York:-
…”thank you, once again, for your lecture and the sensitive and informed way in which you answered questions “.
ICCAInternational Center for Corporate AccountabilityFrom a letter dated 27th May 2005 to Rosamund Thomas from S. Prakash Sethi, University Distinguished Professor, President, International Center for Corporate Accountability, Inc:-
“It was a pleasure meeting you in Madrid during the 9th International Conference of the Reputation Institute. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and found your remarks to be insightful and thought provoking”.
From an email dated 26th May 2005 to Rosamund Thomas from BBVA Bank, Spain:-
“Dear Rosamund, Thank you very much again for your invaluable participation at the Reputation Conference”.
FTSEFTSE4GoodFrom an email dated 25th May 2005 to Rosamund Thomas from Jayn Harding, CSR Manager at FTSE4Good:-
“Marianne Huvé-Allard, FTSE Group Strategy and Communication Director has come back from the conference (9th International Conference of the Reputation Institute) now and was very complimentary about your presentation, said it was very good”.
From a letter to the Centre’s Director, Dr Rosamund Thomas, dated 9th December 2004:-
“On behalf of the International Bar Association (IBA) I would like to thank you for finding the time in your busy schedule to participate in the IBA annual conference in Auckland. We were delighted with the success of the session and greatly appreciate your contribution “.
PRCGovernment of the People’s Republic of ChinaFrom a letter from the Government of The People’s Republic of China dated 17 February 2004:-
“Combating corruption is the main task facing all countries, and the education and training of government officials…requires all our attention and efforts. So your DVD is really timely and necessary”.
From an email dated 30 May 2003 to Rosamund Thomas from Ruslan Stefanov, Co-Ordinator, Economic Program, Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), Bulgaria:-
“I would like to thank you for the insightful and interesting overview and guidance you gave to the Bulgarian group on fraud and anti-corruption in Britain during the seminar organised by the British Association for Central and Eastern Europe. I visited the web-site of your Centre and was impressed by the quality and scope of work you perform”…
BACEEBritish Association for Central and Eastern EuropeFrom a letter to Rosamund Thomas dated 7 February 2003 from Sir John Birch, Director, The British Association for Central and Eastern Europe:-
“It was very good of you to come and talk to our Romanians about corruption…You got them off to an excellent start.”…
PRCPeople’s Republic of China, BeijingFrom a letter dated July 8, 2002 from the People’s Republic of China, Beijing:-
“I am writing to extend many thanks to you and your colleagues for your warm reception we received on the day of 17th June (2002) at Cambridge. It was a really fruitful Seminar where we learned so much more about your research achievements, operations of the local government and anti-corruption legislation of British government…I feel very satisfied that we have conducted very effective exchanges in the past months, and I hope that such co-operation will be intensified in the future”…
IIRIIR ConferencesFrom a letter dated 1 June 2002 to Rosamund Thomas from IIR Conferences:-
“I’m just writing to thank you for your excellent contribution to the success of the…conference. I know it takes a great deal of work to prepare for these events, so I do appreciate you giving your time so generously. The feedback from the delegates was extremely positive…Your contribution was clearly very well received, so thank you very much for your participation”.
From a letter dated 18 May 2001 to the Centre’s Director Rosamund Thomas from Sir John Bourn, KCB, Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Office, London:-
“I was very interested to read your article on ‘Public Trust, Integrity and Privatisation’…I thought it was a very good article…your choice of examples - both from the UK experience and overseas - was excellent; clearly illustrating, and bringing out in sharp relief, the central points of your paper.”
From a letter dated 3rd October 2000 from the then Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Mr Jean-Pierre Kingsley:-
“The Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics is recognised and respected internationally for its well proven research method and for its work in the fields of business, government and environmental ethics. As such, I am pleased to accept this invitation to become an associate of your renown centre.”
From letters from the University of Cambridge 14th July 1999 and 5th October 1999 respectively:-
“A note to thank you for your valuable contribution…The group found your session both stimulating and enjoyable and we look forward to meeting you again before too long.”
“Thank you very much for…explaining the impressive work of your Centre…the importance and relevance of your work is certainly recognised.”
From a letter dated 3 February 1998 from the British Council:-
“Many thanks for your contribution [at a Seminar] which was greatly appreciated by our participants…I hope very much that we can work with you again in the future”.
From a letter from the Executive Director of the International Bar Association dated 27 June 1997:-
“It was a pleasure to meet with you on Wednesday 25th June and to hear of the impressive work carried out by the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics in Cambridge…”
From a letter from the Ethics Counsellor to Ministers in the Canadian Federal Government dated May 26 1997:-
“You have, over the past number of years, made a number of important contributions in the area of public sector ethics. This has been through your publications but also in the very effective role you have played as a catalyst in organizing events and generally promoting discussion and exchange between practitioners around the world…..”
PRCPeople’s Republic of ChinaFrom a letter from the People’s Republic of China dated March 3 1997:-
“I cherish my respect and appreciation for you ….your research work and the contributions your Centre is making to the World Community…”
From a letter from Harvard University dated April 10, 1997 to Dr Rosamund Thomas:-
“I am impressed with what you have accomplished at the Center and indeed what you have done yourself’…”
From a letter from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania dated April 4 1997:-
“You are to be congratulated on having developed an expansive and successful Center in the UK which emphasizes business, environmental and government ethics. The Centre has achieved extensive visibility and has developed important connections”.
These commendations and many more such letters and emails from around the world are held by our Centre
Rosamund Thomas es directora del Centro para la Ética Empresarial y del Sector Público
CincoDias 6 de Octubre de 2000
‘”Emphasis should be laid on evolving ethics not only in public life but also in universities and within the public services to promote sound government and business practices.” This was stated by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics Cambridge while delivering her key-note address at the Indo-British Seminar on “Ethics in Public Life” at the ICSSR Complex here today.
The Seminar was jointly organised by the Department of Public Administration and the British High Commission, New Delhi…’
Chandigarh Newsline November 12, 1997
‘”Thirteen years after the Bhopal disaster, the protracted proceedings which followed the accident have thrown open vital technological and legal issues. Experts are divided on whether the high risk anti-ecological technology industry should be replaced by more human eco-conformable technology.”
Stating this here today, Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge, said that important lessons needed to be drawn from the accident. Earlier, she had presented a paper on “Lessons from the Bhopal Case and other industrial accidents” at the International Bar Association Conference, New Delhi’.
Chandigarh Newsline November 11, 1997
‘Each country has to formulate its own fundamental ethical principles to create the kind of society, government and business it requires. However, it is possible to learn from international developments…These views were expressed by Dr Rosamund Thomas, Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge while talking to media persons here today’.
The Tribune (India) November 11, 1997
‘Officials from the People’s Republic of China paid a visit to the city - to tap into local government expertise.
A team of officials from the country attended a Seminar hosted by the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, which has a worldwide reputation for its work on codes of practice and legislation covering how senior civil servants behave…’
Cambridge Evening News November 29, 1996
‘Balance is the key to ethical practice, says Rosamund Thomas - and Beijing is listening. Kevin Kwong meets the British expert’.
Hong Kong Sunday Morning Post February 11, 1996
‘The convictions of Ernest Saunders, Gerald Ronson, Anthony Parnes and Sir Jack Lyons, who is yet to be sentenced, caused some commentators to suggest that determining what is ethical behaviour is hard to pin down in the midst of a fast-moving, expensive and competitive takeover…
“The Guinness convictions could not be called a triumph for ethics, only the legal system”, Dr Thomas [Director of the Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics, Cambridge] said. “The case, however, gives an opportunity for disparate ethical practice in the country to consolidate. New legislation…needs to be supported by ethical practices because laws are coercive and not designed to change motivation.”’
The Times September 5, 1990
Research Proposals
Building on the Centre’s work in Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility since 1988, the Centre proposes three new programmes of research. Companies, foundations and other bodies interested in sponsoring any programme are invited to contact the Centre’s Director.
Research Proposal 1
How can businesses and governments use artificial intelligence responsibly, fairly and ethically?
Artificial intelligence is changing how decisions are made about customers, employees and citizens. This research will examine the ethical questions it raises for boards, managers and public officials, and how the established principles of business and government ethics apply to its design, adoption and oversight.
Research Proposal 2
How is Corporate Social Responsibility changing, and what does it now require of companies?
Corporate Social Responsibility has moved from voluntary commitments towards legal duties, mandatory reporting and closer scrutiny from investors and the public. This research will review recent developments in the United Kingdom, Europe, India and beyond, and assess what they mean for companies in practice.
Research Proposal 3
How can public, philanthropic and private capital be combined fairly and transparently to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement in the Global South?
Blended finance uses catalytic capital from governments, development banks and foundations to draw private investment into projects that would not otherwise be funded. It is central to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement in the Global South, but the private capital it brings in still falls well short of what is needed. Working with development finance institutions, foundations, impact investors and governments, this research will examine how ethical standards can build the trust that brings more capital into climate, resilience and development projects.
Donate Now
Please donate to our Centre’s work. All these future developments of the Centre, together with the ongoing research and related work, depend on corporate funding and other donations and grants.
If you are a UK taxpayer, the Centre can claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 you give, at no cost to you. Tick the Gift Aid box when you donate through JustGiving, or tell us when you give by bank transfer. If you pay tax above the basic rate, you can claim the difference between the rate you pay and the basic rate on your Self Assessment tax return.
Donations from companies are made without Gift Aid and can normally be deducted from profits for Corporation Tax. Corporations, foundations and other bodies interested in sponsoring a research programme, including the Centre’s research proposals on AI and Ethics and on Recent CSR Developments, are invited to contact the Centre’s Director.
The Centre undertakes research on all the subjects listed below. If you would like a research assignment undertaken, please contact us. In addition, the Centre can direct research for short term visitors to Cambridge from academia, business and government.
Registered Charity Number 1045986
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Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics
5 Swordfish Drive,
Upper Cambourne,
Cambridge CB23 6LG
Donations by post will be gratefully received.
How to contact the Centre
Contact Details
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics
5 Swordfish Drive,
Upper Cambourne,
Cambridge CB23 6LG
harry@ethicscentre.org
Director
Dr Rosamund M Thomas
Registered Charity Number 1045986
Centre for Business and Public Sector Ethics also collaborates with the University of Cambridge and its Colleges.
The Centre pays tribute to our Administrator over 30 years, Mr Robert Willis, who died suddenly in April 2026. Robert is warmly remembered for his dedicated work for the Centre.
