Meet the Chair

Mission statement - To work in close partnership with the Church of England, upholding the highest standards of safeguarding scrutiny and accountability to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every individual within its community.
Image of Nazir Afzal

Nazir Afzal OBE

Nazir is a distinguished legal expert and social justice advocate with over 30 years’ experience in the criminal justice system. As former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, he led landmark prosecutions, including the Rochdale grooming gang case, which transformed child protection in the UK. Nazir has overseen over 100,000 prosecutions a year, championing justice in cases of child sexual abuse, violence against women, and honour-based violence. Beyond the courtroom, he served as Chief Executive of the Police and Crime Commissioners and National Adviser to the Welsh Government. As the first independent Chair of the Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Agency, he played a key role in reforming safeguarding practices. Nazir continues to influence policy, law reform, and public safety.