Nicola Haywood is the Crown Prosecution Service’ national lead for Child Sexual Abuse, and the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor leading the CPS’ Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit. On qualifying Nicola specialised in criminal law and has both defended and prosecuted during her career. In her 22 years prosecuting Nicola has gained significant experience prosecuting sexual and complex offences. Prior to her current role Nicola worked at CPS Headquarters on the national response to CPS handling of RASSO casework, and as the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor lead for initiatives under the Joint National Action Plan and Cross Government Rape Review.