Welcome to the High Sheriff of Surrey’s Website

This website will inform you about the High Sheriff’s work and activities during their Shrieval Year. It features the areas of life in Surrey upon which the incumbent focuses, with reports upon, and photographs of, visits made to charities, voluntary groups, agencies and organisations, and events attended.

A High Sheriff is appointed personally by the Sovereign and it is an independent, non-political and unpaid office, each occupant funding what they do during their year. It is the oldest secular Office in the UK after the Crown, dating back to Saxon days, when the shire-reeve’s role was one of collecting taxes for the King and preserving the peace. The “millennium” of the Office was celebrated in 1992.

Beginning in the Middle Ages, the Judges of Assize were given hospitality and security whilst visiting a county to try felonies, the most serious criminal offences. The Crown Court replaced the Assizes in 1971, and the High Sheriff’s role has since evolved under the aegis of the High Sheriff Association.

The High Sheriff of Surrey for 2023-2024 is Tim Wates, a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey and the Chairman of Leatherhead-headquartered Wates Group.

During his year as High Sheriff he will actively raise awareness of issues around mental health and the role that law enforcement officers play in dealing with people with mental illness.

He is also driving forward research – funded by the Wates Family Enterprise Trust and with the participation of the NHS and the Surrey Police – to better understand the challenges police face and how all public services can work together to respond to incidents and secure care for this group of potentially highly vulnerable people.

RESPONDING TO PEOPLE IN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

It’s great that society as a whole is becoming more understanding of mental health issues and our obligations to support those with mental illness more sensitively; but we have so much more to learn and improve.

Police and other law enforcement officers face tough challenges in carrying out their duties when dealing with people with mental illness. It’s a little known fact that the Metropolitan Police sends an officer to a mental health crisis every 12 minutes.

We all know that the NHS is stretched – for example, the number of psychiatric beds in the UK has fallen by 73% since 1988. This has an impact on mental health support, and police often end up as the first responders.

I want to use my time as High Sheriff to improve support for people in mental health crisis by raising awareness of their challenges, and to bring together the public services to explore better solutions for the people of Surrey.

– Tim Wates

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Most recent visits

Challengers – An Enthusiastic Team Working Brilliantly & Caringly.

22 September 2023/by Andy Newbold

Skillway – Teaching Skills to Disadvantaged or Disengaged Young People in Surrey.

21 September 2023/by Andy Newbold

Read about more visits in News

High Sheriff Youth Awards

Since 1993 the HSYA Scheme has given grants to projects for young people in Surrey with the aim of helping young people make the county safer. Funding up to £5,000 may be given to a new or existing project or initiative, after it has been assessed by volunteers working for the charity and then approved by the Awards Panel.

The 11 Surrey Boroughs, SCC, the Police and Crime Commissioner, charities and individuals give financial support and money is raised at some High Sheriff events. In June 2022 the first High Sheriff Charity Golf Day will raise funds for the HSYA. Certificates of Achievement may be given out and there is an annual Awards Ceremony.

www.surreyhighsheriff.org

The High Sheriff Youth Award recipients 2022-2023

The High Sheriff Youth Awards make grants for any amount from £500 up to £5,000. Applications are welcome at any time and are considered by a panel which meets quarterly. See www.surreyhighsheriff.org for funding guidance and an application form.

The key objectives of the High Sheriff are:

to support the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police, the Prison services and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services. local authorities and church and faith groups.

to take an active part in promoting the voluntary sector and in encouraging voluntary organisations, particularly where they are involved with crime reduction and social cohesion.

to bring together all sections of the diverse community in their county.

to uphold and enhance the ancient office of High Sheriff.and to make a meaningful contribution to the county during the Year of Office.

to support, when appropriate, the Lord Lieutenant, Her Majesty’s representative in the County.

Help is given to the young, through the High Sheriff Youth Awards scheme and National Crimebeat is the Youth Crime Prevention Charity of the HSA. High Sheriff Certificates may be presented to those living in Surrey who have carried out great and valuable work for their community. Links with the Community Foundation for Surrey are close and visits to charities and voluntary organisations are a key part of the year’s undertakings.

Skillway take young people who are struggling with