The High Sheriff of Berkshire

An historic office serving the Royal County of Berkshire

Contact the High Sheriff

Welcome

The High Sheriff of Berkshire is the Sovereign’s representative for law and order in the county. It is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom, with roots stretching back over a thousand years. Today, the role of the sheriff focusses on supporting the judiciary, police, voluntary sector and community life.

The current High Sheriff is Sean Taylor, appointed for 2025–26. A business leader and active supporter of local charities, Sean’s shrieval year is dedicated to the theme of education, and his nominated charities are Berkshire Community Foundation and Learning to Work.

Meet the High Sheriff and Team

Learn more about Sean Taylor, the Under Sheriff, and the Chaplain, and their roles in serving Berkshire through ceremony,
law, and community engagement.

Sean Taylor DL

The High Sheriff

Jonathan Gater

The Under-Sheriff

Reverend Gareth Morley

Chaplain to the High Sheriff
Meet the High Sheriff

History of the High Sheriff

Discover the origins of the office from Saxon times to the present day, including its powers, traditions, and how the role has evolved over the centuries.

Discover the History

The High Sheriff’s Awards

Nominate candidates from within Berkshire for the High Sheriff’s annual awards.
Nominate a Candidate

Events Attendance

See recent highlights of the High Sheriff’s work across Berkshire.
Discover Recent Events

Events

This morning I visited West Berkshire YJST (Youth Justice Support Team) in Newbury (a service offered by @westberkshire), where I was hosted by their excellent Service Manager, Dave Wraight, and met many of the team.
YJST works with children (aged 10 to 18) with the aim of preventing them from offending, reoffending, and helping them to engage in activities to fulfil their potential. The service is made up of social workers, an education worker, a police officer, health workers, probation and restorative justice workers. The team involves people from these different agencies to help access the services children need to help turn them away from crime. Through close multi-agency and partnership working, the YJST is committed to keeping crime low and diverting children away from the criminal justice system.
Dave provided an excellent overview of YJST and data on its learnings from interventions and the efficacy of the service. I wish I had met him earlier in my shrieval journey as the organisation covers so many facets that are core to the High Sheriff role.
Thank you Dave and your team for hosting and for the very valuable support you provide.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18126436462569043
This morning I visited West Berkshire YJST (Youth Justice Support Team) in Newbury (a service offered by @westberkshire), where I was hosted by their excellent Service Manager, Dave Wraight, and met many of the team. YJST works with children (aged 10 to 18) with the aim of preventing them from offending, reoffending, and helping them to engage in activities to fulfil their potential. The service is made up of social workers, an education worker, a police officer, health workers, probation and restorative justice workers. The team involves people from these different agencies to help access the services children need to help turn them away from crime. Through close multi-agency and partnership working, the YJST is committed to keeping crime low and diverting children away from the criminal justice system. Dave provided an excellent overview of YJST and data on its learnings from interventions and the efficacy of the service. I wish I had met him earlier in my shrieval journey as the organisation covers so many facets that are core to the High Sheriff role. Thank you Dave and your team for hosting and for the very valuable support you provide.

…

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On Friday I also visited The Dash Charity @thedashcharity (Domestic Abuse Stops Here). The organisation has been supporting people experiencing domestic abuse in the communities of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for over 45 years. It was uplifting to hear the stories of victims who have been provided the chance to start new lives.
For safety reasons I have blanked out the lovely team who hosted me.
Thank you for the opportunities you offer women, children and men to rebuild.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18074949686631439
On Friday I also visited The Dash Charity @thedashcharity (Domestic Abuse Stops Here). The organisation has been supporting people experiencing domestic abuse in the communities of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for over 45 years. It was uplifting to hear the stories of victims who have been provided the chance to start new lives. For safety reasons I have blanked out the lovely team who hosted me. Thank you for the opportunities you offer women, children and men to rebuild.

…

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Last Friday morning I visited SHOC (Slough Homeless Our Concern) @sloughhomeless. SHOC is a day centre that provides care for the homeless in Slough and those at risk of becoming so. There are around 150 guests on SHOC`s books and they see around 40 people each day, offering food, washing and laundry facilities, access to medical care and access to resources to help get back into work and find permanent accommodation.
Mandy McGuire and her team do a fantastic job, blending caring with strong rules of conduct, to create a safe space for those in need.
Thank you for your dedication and kindness.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18101747129297705
Last Friday morning I visited SHOC (Slough Homeless Our Concern) @sloughhomeless. SHOC is a day centre that provides care for the homeless in Slough and those at risk of becoming so. There are around 150 guests on SHOC's books and they see around 40 people each day, offering food, washing and laundry facilities, access to medical care and access to resources to help get back into work and find permanent accommodation. Mandy McGuire and her team do a fantastic job, blending caring with strong rules of conduct, to create a safe space for those in need. Thank you for your dedication and kindness.

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More Events

Contact the High Sheriff

Find out how to invite the High Sheriff to your event.

Contact the High Sheriff