THE new High Sheriff of Hampshire has been announced in a ceremony at Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, March 31).

The High Court judges of Hampshire, along with other court officials and invited guests, gathered to witness the swearing in of Lady Edwina Grosvenor who has been announced as the new High Sheriff for Hampshire, commencing her term of office from March 31.

She was presented with the badge of office by former High Sheriff of Hampshire Phillip Sykes, and the ceremony was led by Mr Justice Neil Garnham.

SEE ALSO: Phillip Sykes announced as High Sheriff of Hampshire

The judge said it was “a pleasure and an honour to be asked to preside over today’s ceremony”, and outlined the history of the High Sheriff position.

He added: “Today, High Sheriffs are important public figures [who promote] peace, justice and good works in their county.

“High Sheriffs need all the support and encouragement they can get to make a success of their time in office. On behalf of all the High Court judges, may I wish you a rewarding, enjoyable and productive year in office.”

Lady Edwina Grosvenor is a criminologist and philanthropist who has dedicated her career to improving aspects of the Justice system, particularly prisons, drawing on the experience of best and worst models from around the world. This inspired her to be the founding investor and Ambassador of the Clink Restaurant chain, which trains prisoners for work in the catering industry, and to founding and chairing the charity One Small Thing. The organisation’s mission is to redesign the justice system for women and their children and is currently developing Hope Street, a pioneering purpose-built residential community for justice-involved women across Hampshire.

By taking a positive, compassionate and trauma informed approach, the aim is to achieve better outcomes for women, their children and society.

Having studied Criminology and Sociology at Northumbria University, Lady Edwina achieved a distinction in her master’s degree in Criminology and Crime Scene Management at Solent University in 2021. She sits on the advisory board to the Centre for Criminology in the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford.

She became a founding member of the Global Philanthropic Advisory Board in January 2022 and is also Patron of Paladin, which is the country’s only national stalking advocacy service.

Lady Edwina said: “It’s such a privilege to take on the role of High Sheriff for Hampshire. With its historical roots embedded in crime prevention and more recently evolving to support our communities, there is a natural synergy between being High Sheriff and what has been a lifetime passion for me of justice reform.

“I hope to use my year to visit and connect with people across diverse communities and look forward to learning more about the brilliant work undertaken across the board by the voluntary sector.”

SEE ALSO: Nominations now open for High Sherriff of Hampshire Awards

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown.

The role has evolved over time with High Sheriffs today typically lending support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and to the voluntary sector. There are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year.

For more information see: hampshirehighsheriff.org.uk/duties-and-responsibilities.

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