UK’s first ever Director General Legal Delivery of the Crown Prosecution Service announced as University of Hertfordshire’s new Chancellor

One of the most influential legal professionals in the country, Professor Ononiwu - a Herts alumna - is a nationally celebrated advocate for justice and equality. From 1 October, she will reunite with her former University to take on the role of Chancellor, in recognition of her extraordinary career and enduring commitment to education.

Professor Ononiwu’s journey began at the University of Hertfordshire, where she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Law in 1988. Qualifying as a solicitor in 1991, she initially worked in private practice in High Wycombe before joining the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as a Crown Prosecutor. From those early days, she embarked on an extraordinary path that would see her achieve a series of historic firsts.

In April 2005, Professor Ononiwu became Chief Crown Prosecutor for Northamptonshire, making history as the first Afro-Caribbean person to hold this position within the CPS. Her rise continued through roles including Legal Director for CPS London, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the East of England, and later Chief Crown Prosecutor for the West Midlands – at the time the largest CPS region in the country. She was once again the first Afro-Caribbean person and first woman to hold the East of England and West Midlands posts.

In April 2021, she was appointed Director of Legal Services for the CPS, overseeing casework quality, professional standards and legal guidance across the organisation. In June 2025, she was named the first ever Director General Legal Delivery of the CPS, assuming leadership of its entire legal and operations functions.

Professor Ononiwu’s exceptional career has been recognised with numerous honours, including an OBE in 2008 and a CBE in 2019, as well as her inclusion in the Powerlist of the UK’s most influential people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage. She was named one of the UK Women of the Year in 2020 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black Solicitors Network in 2021.

In addition to her legal work, Professor Ononiwu has maintained strong ties to education and her alma mater, the University of Hertfordshire. She holds Honorary Doctorates from both Hertfordshire and Birmingham City Universities, is a Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire’s Law School, and a patron of its Law Clinic. In 2022, the University named its Law Court building after Professor Ononiwu in recognition of her profound contributions to the legal field and commitment to inspiring future generations of lawyers.

Reflecting on her appointment, Professor Ononiwu said:

“I am delighted to have been named the new Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire. I have incredibly fond memories of my time as a student here and it is an honour to be able to give back to the place that played such a key role in shaping my career. I’m particularly proud to be representing one of the most diverse and inclusive Law Schools in the country.

“Growing up, I was often told that my aspirations were unrealistic. I heard countless reasons why I couldn’t pursue the path I dreamed of, and rarely any why I could. It is extremely important I blaze the trail for the next generation and ensure that no one is ever made to feel that their ambitions are out of reach.”

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“Professor Grace Ononiwu exemplifies leadership grounded in courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As a proud alumna of our University, she embodies the values we hold dear - ambition, inclusivity, and the transformative power of education. Her appointment as Chancellor is not only a celebration of her extraordinary achievements, but a powerful reminder to our students of what is possible.

“From being told at school that she shouldn’t aspire to a legal career to becoming one of the UK’s most respected legal figures, her story is one of resilience, determination, and self-belief. We are honoured to welcome her into this role, where her guidance and lived experience will inspire our community and illuminate our mission to educate, empower, and change the world.”

Professor Ononiwu succeeds Lord Salisbury, who has served as Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire since 2005.

Photo caption: Professor Grace Ononiwu CBE at the University of Hertfordshire’s unveiling of the Grace Ononiwu Law Court Building in 2022