Surinder Sharma

High Sheriff of Leicestershire 2016-2017

The office of High Sheriff is at least one thousand years old and is a royal appointment. Nowadays the principal duties are to support the Lord-Lieutenant on royal visits and on other occasions as appropriate, and to offer hospitality and support to visiting High Court judges.

The High Sheriff is also expected to assist and encourage voluntary and third sector organisations, particularly those involved in the maintenance of law and order.

Each High Sheriff will approach their year slightly differently depending on their individual skills and experience, and their particular areas of interest.

The office is non-political and unpaid.

The word "sheriff" is a contraction of the term "shire reeve", a royal official responsible for keeping the peace throughout a shire or county on behalf of the monarch.  The office of sheriff had its origins in the 10th century, reaching the height of its power under the Norman kings.  Of the 63 clauses of Magna Carta, 27 referred directly or indirectly to the sheriffs.  The Provisions of Oxford (1258) established a yearly tenure of office and the duties of the sheriff have been redefined many times since.  The sheriff’s association with law and order continues to this day.