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 Ren Kapur MBE, appointed for 2026–27. A business leader and long‑standing champion of public service, Ren’s shrieval year is focused on supporting young people and celebrating the vital contribution of volunteers across the Royal County of Berkshire.

Meet the High Sheriff and Team

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

Ren Kapur MBE

The High Sheriff

Jonathan Gater

The Under-Sheriff

Reverend David Chislett

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

High Sheriff, Ren Kapur MBE, laying a wreath at RAF Welford

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 week as High Sheriff, I had the most humbling opportunity to meet Michael O`Connor and Ollie at Reading Youth Justice Service (RYJS). A multi agency approach established since 1998.

The work they do to support vulnerable children 10-17 to find positive pathways is simply incredible.

In its rawist sense, why would a 10 year old ever find themselves in the justice system, what could go so wrong, and what can we do to simply provide alternative pathways in the first place? Failing that, what can we do to support a better alternative, post fact.

For those few who got caught up
on wrong side, how do we make sure that there’s enough opportunities to reverse what might be deemed as inevitable fate of criminality. Just writing that seems wrong. Why would it be inevitable!

There’s definitely some strategies we can share and links we can make that will support these pathways and therefore positive outcomes and therefore support organisations like RYJS.

I came away thinking: ‘what’s the difference between success and failure for a 10year old?’ Well for many it’s opportunity and guidance.

Looking forward to working with you Michael O`Connor and introducing you to my network.

Let’s plan a round table meeting soon and if not anything else, we will all be wiser and more connected.

Friends, here’s what got me: An interview feedback card by a 16 year old.
‘I’m a shy person. The interview to be a drug dealer was less scary than the interview for a normal job’

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18079032506422882
This week as High Sheriff, I had the most humbling opportunity to meet Michael O'Connor and Ollie at Reading Youth Justice Service (RYJS). A multi agency approach established since 1998. The work they do to support vulnerable children 10-17 to find positive pathways is simply incredible. In its rawist sense, why would a 10 year old ever find themselves in the justice system, what could go so wrong, and what can we do to simply provide alternative pathways in the first place? Failing that, what can we do to support a better alternative, post fact. For those few who got caught up on wrong side, how do we make sure that there’s enough opportunities to reverse what might be deemed as inevitable fate of criminality. Just writing that seems wrong. Why would it be inevitable! There’s definitely some strategies we can share and links we can make that will support these pathways and therefore positive outcomes and therefore support organisations like RYJS. I came away thinking: ‘what’s the difference between success and failure for a 10year old?’ Well for many it’s opportunity and guidance. Looking forward to working with you Michael O'Connor and introducing you to my network. Let’s plan a round table meeting soon and if not anything else, we will all be wiser and more connected. Friends, here’s what got me: An interview feedback card by a 16 year old. ‘I’m a shy person. The interview to be a drug dealer was less scary than the interview for a normal job’

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Ahead of Armed Forces Day on 27 June, we look forward to a week of celebration, reflection and togetherness across the Royal County of Berkshire.

To our serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, military families and the many volunteers who support them – thank you. Your service, sacrifice and commitment help keep our communities strong.

#ArmedForcesWeek #ArmedForcesDay #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #Togetherness #Berkshire Veterans Cadets Reserves CommunitySpirit 🇬🇧

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17986903136833502
Ahead of Armed Forces Day on 27 June, we look forward to a week of celebration, reflection and togetherness across the Royal County of Berkshire. To our serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, military families and the many volunteers who support them – thank you. Your service, sacrifice and commitment help keep our communities strong. #ArmedForcesWeek #ArmedForcesDay #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #Togetherness #Berkshire Veterans Cadets Reserves CommunitySpirit 🇬🇧

…

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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