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

"Some weeks remind you just how much goes on behind the scenes to keep our communities strong“

From 13–17 July, I had the privilege of seeing the Royal County of Berkshire from several very different perspectives.

The week began sitting alongside one of our judges, followed by planning for the forthcoming Judicial Service in October. It was then on to the House of Lords in my civilian role, before joining the Berkshire Community Foundation at the Royal Household Cricket fundraiser, and finishing the week in London with our outstanding cadets.

The dedication of so many people who make a difference to others. From those who uphold our justice system with care and compassion, to those giving their time and generosity to support Berkshire`s charities and communities.

It also reinforced that, whilst our judicial system is supported by extraordinary people, there is still more to be done to strengthen the infrastructure that enables justice to be delivered effectively. Sincerely, thank you to everyone who plays a role.

Equally inspiring was seeing our community come together through the Royal Household Cricket for the BCF fundraiser, demonstrating what can be achieved when people unite behind a common purpose. Well done to all the team behind the scenes and all the volunteer cricketers too.

Every week as High Sheriff offers a different perspective, but the common thread is always the same: people who care deeply about making Berkshire a better place.

As ever, I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve, champion and advocate for this wonderful Royal County.

#HighSheriff #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #Berkshire #ConnectingSociety #CommunityLeadership

4 0
Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17901602787526664
"Some weeks remind you just how much goes on behind the scenes to keep our communities strong'' From 13–17 July, I had the privilege of seeing the Royal County of Berkshire from several very different perspectives. The week began sitting alongside one of our judges, followed by planning for the forthcoming Judicial Service in October. It was then on to the House of Lords in my civilian role, before joining the Berkshire Community Foundation at the Royal Household Cricket fundraiser, and finishing the week in London with our outstanding cadets. The dedication of so many people who make a difference to others. From those who uphold our justice system with care and compassion, to those giving their time and generosity to support Berkshire's charities and communities. It also reinforced that, whilst our judicial system is supported by extraordinary people, there is still more to be done to strengthen the infrastructure that enables justice to be delivered effectively. Sincerely, thank you to everyone who plays a role. Equally inspiring was seeing our community come together through the Royal Household Cricket for the BCF fundraiser, demonstrating what can be achieved when people unite behind a common purpose. Well done to all the team behind the scenes and all the volunteer cricketers too. Every week as High Sheriff offers a different perspective, but the common thread is always the same: people who care deeply about making Berkshire a better place. As ever, I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve, champion and advocate for this wonderful Royal County. #HighSheriff #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #Berkshire #ConnectingSociety #CommunityLeadership

…

4 0

Superb spending time with fellow High Sheriffs for Thames Valley @highsheriffoxfordshire and @hisheriffbucks always a pleasure and so lovely that we all get on so well. Lovely to see you Jawaid and Nikki.

33 0
Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17914208502225299
Superb spending time with fellow High Sheriffs for Thames Valley @highsheriffoxfordshire and @hisheriffbucks always a pleasure and so lovely that we all get on so well. Lovely to see you Jawaid and Nikki.

…

33 0

Wednesday 8 July| Reading Faith Group

One of the many highlights of this week was meeting Andy Dickens and his incredible team, and seeing first-hand the difference they make every single day.

From emergency food parcels and grocery top-ups for those needing an extra helping hand, to soup kitchens and so much more, their work is inspiring and deeply humbling.

Behind every meal is an extraordinary network of volunteers, generous donors, and local supermarkets working together to support people in our community throughout the year.

It was a stark reminder that, in a country where many of us have access to so much, there are still people living without life’s basic essentials. We each have the opportunity to ask ourselves: What little can I do?

Our little can make a big difference.

A huge thank you to Andy Dickens and everyone involved with make sure there’s food on the table and there’s access to essentials for many people in and around Reading. We look forward to many more conversations and opportunities to work together.

#Community #Kindness #Volunteering #FoodSupport #GivingBack TogetherWeCan Reading

10 0
Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17929496586122490
Wednesday 8 July| Reading Faith Group One of the many highlights of this week was meeting Andy Dickens and his incredible team, and seeing first-hand the difference they make every single day. From emergency food parcels and grocery top-ups for those needing an extra helping hand, to soup kitchens and so much more, their work is inspiring and deeply humbling. Behind every meal is an extraordinary network of volunteers, generous donors, and local supermarkets working together to support people in our community throughout the year. It was a stark reminder that, in a country where many of us have access to so much, there are still people living without life’s basic essentials. We each have the opportunity to ask ourselves: What little can I do? Our little can make a big difference. A huge thank you to Andy Dickens and everyone involved with make sure there’s food on the table and there’s access to essentials for many people in and around Reading. We look forward to many more conversations and opportunities to work together. #Community #Kindness #Volunteering #FoodSupport #GivingBack TogetherWeCan Reading

…

10 0

More Events

Contact the High Sheriff

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

Contact the High Sheriff