The Office of High Sheriff

Currently a support to the Crown and judiciary systems, the role of High Sheriff has evolved over time, but is rooted almost 1,000 years ago in Saxon times. The modern High Sheriff actively lends support to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector, helping with crime reduction initiatives, especially with young people. Many High Sheriffs also elect to assist Community Foundations and local charities working with vulnerable people, endorsing their work to help raise valuable awareness.  

The key roles of the Gloucestershire High Sheriff, among others, are:

  • To actively support and promote the voluntary sector, giving all possible encouragement to the voluntary organisations within Gloucestershire.
  • To ensure the welfare of visiting High Court Judges, to attend on them at Court and to offer them hospitality
  • To support the Lord-Lieutenant on royal visits and on other occasions as appropriate

The current High Sheriff of Gloucestershire is Mark Hurrell DL.

The Office of High Sheriff