Former chief crown prosecutor Nazir Afzal has been appointed as the new independent chair of the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Panel (NSP).
Mr Afzal is a practising Muslim, known for his work prosecuting those involved in the Rochdale grooming cases. Previously, he was the inaugural chair of the Catholic Church's safeguarding body in England and Wales.
His role is set to commence in September. Mr Afzal’s selection was part of an independent recruitment process.
Established in 2014, the NSP plays a crucial role in offering essential advising and scrutinising policy and guidance within the Church of England, incorporating insights from survivors. The panel aims to deliver strategic counsel on safeguarding policies and practices, foster excellent safeguarding measures throughout the Church, and advocate for a survivor-focused approach. The NSP does not engage directly with individual cases.
Nazir Afzal said: “I am pleased to take on this important role to lead the continuing work on scrutinising and providing challenge to the Church of England’s safeguarding… from my 30-year career I know the challenges faced by institutions who can seem faceless to those who have been harmed by them.
“The Church of England has a presence in every community across the country and with that comes huge responsibility. I look forward to playing my part in holding the Church to account by bringing my professional experience to the work of the Panel.”
The Bishop of Stepney, Joanne Grenfell, who is the bishop in charge of safeguarding, welcomed Mr Afzal's appointment saying: “I am delighted that Nazir Afzal has agreed to take on this role and with his great experience will provide vital scrutiny and challenge on our safeguarding policies and practice, with his work with the NSP.
“As we continue to work out details around wider independence, following the General Synod vote, the work of the NSP will ensure our work is held to account and I look forward to working with Nazir as he leads the NSP.”
During the interim period preceding Mr Afzal's appointment, General Synod member Kashmir Garton and survivor representative Jane Chevous served as acting chair and vice-chair of the NSP, succeeding Meg Munn.