The Role of the High Sheriff Today

This year-long, non-political and independent appointment provides support for the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and the emergency services without resort to the public purse.

The High Sheriff offers encouragement to those supporting the charity and voluntary sectors and actively encourages crime prevention. The key to the role is to uphold and enhance the ancient office while making a meaningful contribution to the county of Somerset.

High Sheriff Janet Montgomery at Pride of Somerset May 25

High Sheriff Janet Montgomery officiating at the Somerset Pride of Youth Awards 2025

Image credit: AxG, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Somerset Districts

The High Sheriff of Somerset serves the ancient county of Somerset composed of these six districts:

1) South Somerset
2) Somerset West and Taunton
3) Sedgemoor
4) Mendip
5) Bath and North East Somerset (Unitary)
6) North Somerset (Unitary)

High Sheriff’s Duties and Activities

There are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties in England and Wales. Their activities include:

Attending at Royal Visits to the County as required.

Supporting the Lord-Lieutenant as appropriate.

Representing The King in all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.

Ensuring the welfare of His Majesty’s High Court Judges when visiting the County.

Supporting the police and emergency services.

Giving encouragement and support to public sector agencies such as probation and prison services.

Promoting other agencies involved with crime prevention, particularly among young people.

Taking an active interest in promoting the work of voluntary organisations across the county.

Weston-super-Mare Police Cadets Awards 5 July 25

Janet Montgomery attending the Western-super-Mare Police Cadets Awards 2025

Giving support to local authorities and recognised church and faith groups.

Taking a leading role in the High Sheriff of Somerset Charitable Trust.

Giving High Sheriff’s Court Awards to those who in the opinion of the Judge have been active in the apprehension of offenders.

Giving personal High Sheriff’s Awards to individuals, often within small voluntary groups who have made an outstanding contribution.

Holding the post of Official Returning Officer for Parliamentary General Elections in the County.

Reading the Proclamation announcing the death of the Sovereign and the accession of the new Sovereign.

Upholding and enhancing the ancient Office of High Sheriff during the year in which they serve and making a meaningful contribution to the County of Somerset.

history of the high sherrif

The High Sheriff’s Latest News

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