Our Work Today
Modern High Sheriffs
Long gone are the days when High Sheriffs wielded enormous legal and financial powers over their counties. Today, Sheriffs have taken on a more ceremonial role and have become a beacon for individuals and small organisations which are committed to protecting vulnerable people and transforming the county into a safe and peaceful environment.
In the ancient past, the post of High Sheriff was often passed from father to son. In modern times, those appointed to the post have traditionally been members of the landed gentry. More recently the net has been cast somewhat wider to cover those with long-established commitment to the county.
The role of High Sheriff, which might appear anachronistic, is an iconic one serving an important purpose. It not only connects the modern society to an ancient past, it also celebrates the lives and actions of ordinary people who wish to make a lasting difference to their county.
The shrievalty, with its high public profile and involvement with royal visits to the county, offers a platform for holders of the post to instigate positive change and promote the county’s unique character to residents and visitors.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year. It 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.
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 Crown Court 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, Prisons & Probation, 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 such as KAVS & Personal Honour Investitures
- To act as Returning Officer for Parliamentary elections
- To proclaim the Accession of a new Sovereign and maintain the loyalty of subjects to the Crown
- To appoint an Under Sheriff and carry out various ceremonial functions
- To nominate a future High Sheriff
- To promote the work of the voluntary sector within the county, raising awareness of the initiatives underway for the benefit of the wider community
The High Sheriff participates in the Prisons Award ceremonies and engages with officers, prison staff and those serving time throughout the year.
Currently, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving across the counties of England and Wales.
Under Sheriff
At the start of their term of office, the High Sheriff has a legal duty to appoint an Under Sheriff, usually a local solicitor, to assist at ceremonial occasions and undertake other legal matters such as those relating to parliamentary elections. Usually, an Under Sheriff will have held the post for a number of years for the purpose of continuity.
Chaplain to the High Sheriff
In addition to the appointment of an Under Sheriff, the Office requires a Chaplain to be installed for support, advice and assistance at shrieval church services and other important occasions. High Sheriffs traditionally appoint their own Chaplain for the voluntary role.