CHAPTER AMBASSADOR

Black and white image of Nazir Afzal OBE

Nazir Afzal OBE

Nazir Afzal OBE is a distinguished legal expert, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, and former Director in London. He has held high-profile leadership roles, including Chief Executive of the Police & Crime Commissioners and National Adviser to the Welsh Government.

Over his 30-year career, Nazir has prosecuted some of the most significant cases in the UK, leading national efforts on violence against women and girls (VAWG), child sexual abuse, and honour-based violence. He was responsible for over 100,000 prosecutions annually, with landmark cases like the Rochdale grooming gang trials reshaping child protection laws and public policy.

Current Roles & Leadership

  • Chancellor, University of Manchester (since August 2022)

  • Chair, Hopwood Hall Further Education College

  • Board Member, Independent Press Standards Organisation

  • Independent Member, Oxfam’s Safeguarding & Ethics Committee

  • Trustee, Association of Safeguarding Partners

  • Member, National Police Chiefs' Ethics Committee

  • First-ever Independent Chair, Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Agency

  • Chair, Independent Review of Culture at London Fire Brigade

  • Trustee, WOW (World of Women) Foundation

Books, Media & Public Engagement

Nazir is a published author, public speaker, and media commentator:

  • Memoir: The Prosecutor (2020) – currently being adapted into a British drama.

  • Latest Book: The Race to the Top (2022).

  • BBC Radio 4 'Desert Island Discs': 3rd most listened-to episode in 2021.

  • Podcast: Fear or Favour – widely praised for its insights into law and justice.

A sought-after speaker, Nazir tutors on leadership programmes, presents at international conferences, and advises governments in Somalia, Ukraine, and Pakistan on rule of law reforms.

Charitable & Community Work

Nazir dedicates significant time to charity, serving as a trustee or patron for several NGOs, including:

  • ServiceSix

  • DVAssist

  • Jan Trust

  • Samantha Sykes Foundation

  • Karma Nirvana

  • Halo Project

  • SaveraUK

  • Former Chair, Prince of Wales’ Mosaic Trust

Awards & Recognition

Nazir has received numerous accolades, including:

  • OBE (2005) – for services to justice.

  • Only lawyer to ever prosecute a case before the Queen.

  • UK Government’s Justice Award (2007).

  • Daily Mirror ‘People’s Award' (2007).

  • Named in the Asian Power 100, Muslim Power 100, and Pakistan Power 100.

  • Asian Media Group’s ‘Man of the Year' (2012).

  • Pride of Birmingham Lifetime Achievement Award (2022).

  • Northern Power Women’s ‘Disruptor for Good' Award (2022).

His work was the subject of the acclaimed BBC drama Three Girls, which highlighted the impact of his prosecutions on child protection.

What Others Say About Him

“An inspiring figure, forensically intelligent." – The Times, Nov 2012
“The authentic face of British justice." – New York Times, 2013
“Until recently, crimes encountered by this pioneering prosecutor rarely troubled a courtroom. Now, these issues have risen to the top of the policy agenda." – The Independent, July 2012

Nazir Afzal OBE continues to be a leading advocate for justice, accountability, and social change.