About
Saima Afzal MBE is one of the UK's most respected independent voices on safeguarding, public protection, equality, diversity, human rights and cultural intelligence.
Saima's career spans more than thirty years of frontline practice, strategic leadership, academic contribution and national policy influence. She has advised police forces, Police & Crime Commissioners, government departments, universities, the NHS, private sector organisations, charities and community organisations across the UK — translating evidence and lived experience into systemic change.
Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to human rights and dignity. From campaigning on forced marriage, honour-based abuse, FGM, religio-cultural distortions and harmful norms, to leading equality, diversity and human rights work at a local and national level.
Saima is consistently called upon when organisations require independent rigour combined with cultural fluency. In her capacity as a recognised subject matter expert, she provides advice and support on complex and specialist investigations, safeguarding matters, and criminal prosecutions undertaken by UK police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and the courts.
As Director of Saima Afzal Solutions and SAS Rights CIC, she now delivers training, research, safeguarding reviews, cultural audits and strategic advice to organisations who require a specialist they can trust.
Trusted experience
Frontline work supporting victims of forced marriage, honour-based abuse and domestic violence within South Asian communities.
Independent scrutiny role contributing to local policing governance and community trust.
National recognition for sustained contribution to policing and community cohesion.
Senior leadership, governance, oversight and scrutiny of policing and seeking to ensure equitable services.
As a recognised Subject Matter Expert, peer reviewer, trainer and recruitment panel member, Saima plays an active role in the development, assessment and progression of officers and senior leaders, supporting continuous professional development across policing.
Independent reviews, peer support, published research and policy advice across government, academia and the NHS.
Continuing to advise, train and campaign, Saima combines lived experience, practitioner expertise, research and activism to provide evidence-based insight that influences policy, practice and legislation, helping to create safer, fairer outcomes for communities.
In practice
Saima pictured at the Centre for Social Justice alongside Sohan and fellow contributors — a snapshot of the cross-sector collaboration that defines her work, bringing together policy makers, practitioners and lived-experience voices to shape national thinking on safeguarding, equality and human rights.
In their words
A selection of letters of commendation from senior national policing leaders — read the full letters in our view-only reader.
"The incisiveness of Saima's questioning and her ability to get to the 'nub of the issue' was evident throughout… Contribution was outstanding."
Chief Superintendent Stephen Curtis
Head of Capability Support, National Policing Improvement Agency
2011
"The development of this training benefited greatly from your knowledge and expertise… you have been fundamental in the delivery of this vulnerability training package."
Mike Cunningham
Chief Executive, College of Policing
2018
