Waseem Zaffar was elected as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Social Cohesion & Community Safety in May 2012. Waseem was recognised for his services to the voluntary sector by HM Queen Elizabeth who awarded him an MBE in the Birthday Honours in June 2012. Waseem was elected as Labour Councillor on 5th May 2011 for the Lozells and East Handsworth Ward.

In 2005, Waseem was head-hunted by a city-wide organisation that provided training provision in basic skills. For five years, Waseem worked as their Development Manager before taking up his current role as Manager of Villa Business Centre in May 2010.

Waseem was appointed a Magistrate in 2008, originally serving on the bench at Sutton Coldfield Magistrates Court before moving to Birmingham Magistrates Court following the closure of Sutton in July 2011.