Each High Sheriff of the 55 Counties of England and Wales is appointed by HM the King and holds office for one year. The office is the oldest secular office save for the monarchy, dating back to Alfred the Great in the Saxon era, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ collected taxes and maintained law and order for the King. It is an unpaid independent appointment that involves supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services and civic authorities, as well as charities and voluntary organisations.
The High Sheriff Youth Awards charity recognises the work of young people in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, which is akin to the responsibility of High Sheriffs in the past to preserve the peace. By applying for an award to make your community in Surrey safer, you are continuing a tradition of more than a thousand years.
This Year's High Sheriff of Surrey is entrepreneur Shahid Azeem DL who has been installed as the High Sheriff of Surrey for 2024/25 for the second time, continuing with his theme “TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER”.
He was handed over the chain of office by Tim Wates DL during a ceremony held at the Royal Holloway, University of London, based in Egham on the 21st March.
Who is the
High Sheriff?
During his year he will actively promote the work of the HSYA.As well as carrying out the ceremonial role of the High Sheriff and attending numerous events across the community, Mr Azeem has five main aims for his Shrieval year.
1. To highlight the importance of multi faith groups working together for a better society. This follows on from the COVID Pandemic where Faiths played a major role in community Galvanisation.
2. To continue the work of his predecessor in the areas of mental health and wellbeing.
3. BAME community joining Surrey’s Police Force.
4. To support and promote sport initiatives in Surrey with the aim of improving health.
5. Working with the Judiciary and Police to highlight charities in the County that are not on the radar.
More information can be found on the official High Sheriff of Surrey Website - www.highsheriffofsurrey.com.
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