Duties and responsibilities

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

The duties associated with the role have evolved over time however the focus of the appointment remains to support the Crown in all matters and the judiciary. In modern times, this often involves playing an active role in community safety and promoting the interests of the criminal justice agencies and voluntary organisations which are working together to prevent crime and reduce demand for blue light services. Many are also committed to increasing the profile of the work of local crime reduction initiatives, particularly those that offer diversionary activities and skills training to young people and other vulnerable people.

By nature of their Royal appointment, High Sheriffs are well-placed to honour and recognise the achievements of members of the community who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect their communities, the wider public and maintain the reputation of their county. A number of High Sheriffs have established their own personal awards system which they present to the unsung heroes within small charity or voluntary groups who have delivered outstanding service to their cause. On occasions, High Sheriffs will also present one-off awards to those, who in the opinion of a Judge during a criminal trial, have actively apprehended an offender in the interests of public safety.

High Sheriffs are entitled to organise their duties and day-to-day activities according to their particular skills, experience and own areas of interest including their designated charities. The key responsibilities of the appointment are as follows:

• To uphold and enhance the ancient Office of High Sheriff and to make a meaningful contribution to the High Sheriff’s County throughout the year of Office.
• To lend active support the Constitution within the county – the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police, and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, the Church and faith groups.
• To assist and support visiting High Judges to the county, offering hospitality and attending to them at Court
• To support the Lord-Lieutenant during Royal visits and on other appropriate ceremonious occasions.
• Acting as Returning Officer for parliamentary elections
• Proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign and maintaining the loyalty of subjects to the Crown
• Appointing an Under Sheriff and carrying out various ceremonial functions
• Nominating a future High Sheriff
• To actively promote the work of the voluntary sector within the county, raising awareness of the initiatives underway for the benefit of the wider community

The origin of High Sheriffs dates back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was accountable to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire – or county – and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown.

Currently, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving across the counties of England and Wales. The High Sheriff is a voluntary role and those appointed to the position meet all the costs of their office each year without any expenses falling on the public purse.