Ex-prosecutor takes on top college post
THE man who brought the Rochdale grooming gang to justice has taken on a top job at one of the town’s colleges.
Nazir Afzal, former chief crown prosecutor for the north west, has been appointed chair of Hopwood Hall College’s governing body.
He initiated the prosecutions of the sex trafficking gang, which eventually led to the jailing of nine gang members in 2012.
It came after he overturned a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute and asked police to look again at the issue of grooming in Rochdale.
Eight months after standing down from the role he has been named chair of the college’s corporation board, replacing long-standing predecessor Coun Robert Clegg, who held the position for 15 years.
Mr Afzal, who is originally from Birmingham, tweeted: “Delighted to announce that I’ve accepted role of Chair of Hopwood Hall College
“If you really believe Education is answer to society’s ills, then get involved in it!
“We don’t appreciate non-University education enough Our kids deserve better.”
Hopwood Hall College principal, Derek O’Toole, said: “On behalf of the college, I would like to welcome Nazir to the team and express how excited we all are to have someone of his calibre helping to build the future of Hopwood Hall College. ●●Nazir Afzal is welcomed to Hopwood Hall College by, from left, assistant principal Julia Heap, outgoing governing body chair Robert Clegg and principal, Derek O’Toole
“If you really believe education is the answer to society’s ills, get involved”
“His roll call of achievements is something both our students and staff can really aspire to.
“With experience in some of the highest-profile roles in law, education and campaigning, we believe the corporation is in a very capable pair of hands.”
He continued: “I’d also like to thank Robert Clegg for his many years of service to Hopwood Hall College.
“He has been an instrumental figure in the development and achievements of this college; such as us currently being one of the few FE colleges in Greater Manchester to hold a Grade II rating from Ofsted.
“We look forward to Nazir continuing Robert’s legacy.”
Jennifer Worsdale, Natalie Webster and Jaqui Mellor have also been appointed to the college’s corporation board.