Joosje is a solicitor specialising in EU and UK competition and regulatory law. A few years ago, she decided to leave full-time employment in the City and she now spends the majority of her time running and developing her family’s agricultural estate.
As a Deputy Lieutenant, Joosje forms part of the Surrey Advisory Panel for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and she is a member of the Lieutenancy’s Focus Groups for Domestic Abuse and Climate Change & Nature Restoration.
Joosje is a Governor at the Reigate Grammar School group of schools; a committee member of the Surrey Branch of the CLA; and a Trustee and Secretary of the Pillars of St Michael’s Betchworth.
Joosje became High Sheriff of Surrey on 10 April 2026.
During her Shrieval Year, Joosje intends to highlight a serious and increasing concern for the County: domestic abuse. Her theme is aimed at attempting to “Break the cycle of Domestic Abuse”. This involves not only ensuring that children and young people know what the elements of a safe and healthy relationship are, but also working with perpetrators of domestic abuse and holding them to account. 20% of perpetrators are repeat offenders.
The general perception is that domestic abuse is rare in Surrey – a largely wealthy county close to London. However, sadly this is not true. Statistics show that domestic abuse does not distinguish: a third of homes in Surrey are affected by domestic abuse and Surrey ranks worryingly high nationally for the number of recorded Violence Against Women and Girls offences.
An increasing number of domestic abuse incidents affects people younger than 16. Stalking is on the rise and an alarming 49% of girls aged 13-17 has experienced violent or controlling behaviour in a relationship.
The good news is that a lot of innovative work is being done in Surrey in relation to the prevention of domestic abuse. There are programmes for secondary schools, workshops for men, and good work is undertaken with perpetrators.
Joosje would like to use the role of High Sheriff to: