Mark Smith The High Sheriff of the West Midlands
Welcome
At Buckingham Palace on 12th March 2025, Mr Mark L Smith was invited by His Majesty the King to become the High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands.
On 15th April 2025, Mr Smith made his Declaration at the Crown Court in Birmingham in front of the Presiding Judge for the Midlands Circuit, The Honourable Mrs Justice Tipples DBE and thus his Shrieval year commenced.
The High Sheriff serves as a representative of the Crown in the County and their duties include supporting the various elements of the Justice system, namely the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies, the Judiciary, the Prison Service and the Probation Service. The High Sheriff also takes an active role in supporting and promoting the voluntary sector, particularly those organisations involved with crime reduction and social cohesion.
On this website, you will find further information about the history of the role of the High Sheriff and their current responsibilities, as well as some background on the current High Sheriff, Mr Mark Smith. You will also find details of events and initiatives that the High Sheriff is involved with.
If you have any questions or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve the community and are very happy to assist in any way we can.
High Sheriff Events
The High Sheriff is keen to engage with, support and promote Voluntary organisations across the West Midlands, particularly those working with young people to assist in crime reduction and social cohesion.
If you would like to invite the High Sheriff to an event, please send an invitation through the Events page.
Unpaid Work Facility at Walsall Probation office
I had an interesting visit to the Probation office in Walsall to see the Unpaid Work facility. This facility was established about 3 years ago
Visit to WAITS in Birmingham
I visited the wonderful WAITS charity based in central Birmingham to learn more about the critically important work that they undertake in support of vulnerable
Visit to Birmingham Hospice in Erdington
I was delighted to visit the Erdington site of Birmingham Hospice with my Chaplain Rev’d Canon Becky Reeve, to meet the CEO Paul Bytheway and
Legal Service in Staffordshire
I was delighted to join the High Sheriffs of Shropshire and Derbyshire and numerous Mayors from across the County, in supporting the High Sheriff of
High Sheriff Awards
The High Sheriff can give Awards to recognise the work of individuals or community groups within the County.
The High Sheriff will be inviting nominations for Awards for 2025 – 2026 in September 2025 – please see the Awards page for how to complete a nomination.
Examples of previous awards are set out below.
High Sheriff Award to Elspeth Martin BEM
I was delighted to present a High Sheriff’s Award to Elspeth Martin BEM in recognition of her long standing support as a volunteer for the
High Sheriff Award to John Legg JP
I was delighted to present a High Sheriff’s Award to John Legg at Victoria Law Courts, on his retirement after 34 years as a Magistrate
High Sheriff Award to Davinder Pangli MBE
I was delighted to present a High Sheriff’s Award to Davinder Pangli MBE in recognition of her outstanding 42 years service as a Magistrate on
Anwar Khattak BEM
On Saturday. it was with great pride that I recognised Anwar Khattak BEM for his remarkable achievements and exceptional dedication to our community by presenting
The original High Sheriff website was created and funded by Douglas Wright MBE DL, High Sheriff of the West Midlands 2024-25.