Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nazir Afzal OBE as its new Chair.
Nazir will take up the role on 4 January 2027, bringing extensive experience of public service, governance, safeguarding and organisational leadership. One of the UK’s most respected public figures, he has spent more than 30 years championing justice, improving public services, and giving voice to communities across the country.
A former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and Director for the Crown Prosecution Service in London, Nazir has led the prosecution of some of the country’s most significant criminal cases and has overseen more than 100,000 prosecutions annually. Throughout his career, he has been a leading advocate on issues including child protection, violence against women and girls, safeguarding and social justice.
His wider leadership experience includes serving as Chief Executive of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, National Adviser to the Welsh Government and the first independent Chair of the Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Agency. He is currently Chancellor of the University of Manchester and Chair of The Lowry, alongside a range of national governance, advisory and charitable roles.
Speaking about his appointment, Nazir Afzal OBE said:
“It is a huge privilege to be appointed Chair of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. MFT touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, and with that comes an enormous responsibility. I intend to listen, to challenge when necessary and, above all, to keep patients and communities at the heart of what we do.
“You cannot lead an organisation this important from a boardroom alone. I want to spend time with our teams, hear what is working and what isn’t, and make sure people feel able to speak openly. Good organisations are built on people who feel listened to and valued.
“Manchester is a city that believes in looking after one another. That spirit should run through our NHS too. I want MFT to be an organisation that our patients are proud of, our staff are proud to work for, and our communities know they can trust.
“I’ve spent much of my career standing up for people and making sure that voices which can sometimes go unheard are heard. I see this role as another opportunity to serve, with humility, independence and a determination to make a difference.
“MFT has extraordinary people, enormous expertise and a proud history. My job is not to arrive with all the answers; it is to listen, ask the right questions and help create the conditions in which our people can deliver the very best care.”
Ivan Benett, Lead Governor at MFT, said:
“On behalf of the Council of Governors, I am delighted to welcome Nazir as the new Chair of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
“Nazir brings an outstanding record of public service, leadership and independent challenge. His commitment to fairness, inclusion and accountability, together with his experience of leading cultural and organisational change at a national level, will be a tremendous asset to.
“The Council of Governors was particularly impressed by Nazir’s passion for public service and his commitment to listening to patients, staff and communities. We look forward to working closely with him as MFT continues to deliver high-quality care and improve the health of the populations we serve.”
Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Nazir to MFT ahead of his formal start as Chair on 4 January 2027.
“MFT serves almost 1million people across Manchester and Trafford, and many more through our specialist services regionally and nationally. We are ambitious about continuing to improve care, reduce inequalities and transform services. Nazir brings a wealth of experience, insight and public service leadership which will be invaluable to that mission.
“His commitment to listening, inclusion and accountability aligns strongly with our values, and I look forward to working closely with him as we build on MFT’s many strengths for the benefit of our patients, colleagues and communities.”
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Trevor Rees for his outstanding leadership and support as Acting Chair. Trevor has provided stability, wise counsel and unwavering commitment during an important period for the Trust, and we are extremely grateful for his contribution.”
As Chair, Nazir Afzal OBE will lead the Trust Board, supporting effective governance, strategic oversight and accountability across one of England’s largest NHS Trusts, while helping to ensure that patients, staff and communities remain at the heart of decision-making.