We were privileged to support and care for people who had life limiting conditions, having been entrusted with their care by their families. I was a founder member of the ground-breaking care sector representative group, Shropshire Partners in Care. Nationally, the High Sheriff’s Association has its own charity Crimebeat, which celebrates and supports innovative initiatives instigated by young people.
High Sheriffs are charged by the King to Uphold His Peace in their counties and to represent the Sovereign in upholding all matters relating to the judiciary and maintaining law and order. Their responsibilities are conferred by the Crown through a warrant from the Privy Council. No longer responsible for the enforcement of High Court Writs of Execution, the focus of their role is to support voluntary and statutory bodies engaged in all aspects of law and order. In addition, High Sheriffs shine a spotlight on the community and voluntary sector within their counties celebrating their achievements and supporting their essential work.
Much of the role for a modern day High Sheriff’s year is spent supporting and encouraging the voluntary and statutory organisations who work in these areas, and in Shropshire this means involvement with the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts, the Police, Prison and Probation Services.
Traditionally, High Sheriffs look after visiting High Court Judges to the county, although such visits are now rare in Shropshire.
The High Sheriff does however make awards to those who, in the opinion of the Judges at a criminal trial, have been active in the apprehension of certain offenders.
The Office of High Sheriff is apolitical and as such the High Sheriff is in a unique position to be able to bring people together within the county and to support the enormous contribution made by the emergency services, the armed forces, local authorities, church and faith groups and the voluntary community.
In a ceremonial capacity, the High Sheriff assists the Lord-Lieutenant of the county with Royal visits, is the Official Returning Officer for parliamentary elections and has responsibility for proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign.
The High Sheriff is a voluntary role and as such the High Sheriff meets the costs of their year in office themselves, with no part of their expenses falling on the public purse.
