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.
Freedom of the Borough of Dudley
It was a real pleasure and honour to attend the Ceremony at Himley Hall at which Mr Joe Bullock was granted the Freedom of the
Citizenship Ceremony in Dudley
I was delighted to attend a Citizenship Ceremony in the Borough of Dudley alongside Deputy Lieutenant Liz Foster and the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete
Employer Engagement Event at HMP Birmingham
I made another visit to HMP Birmingham to participate in an Employer Engagement event coordinated by the Prison Employment team. It has been clearly proven
Pathfinder project at BCFJC
I had a most enjoyable and informative return to the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre at the Priory Courts in Birmingham to learn more
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 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
Finley Stevens
⭐️ Proud moment at Summerhill School in Dudley. As the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, I had the honour of presenting a special High
The original High Sheriff website was created and funded by Douglas Wright MBE DL, High Sheriff of the West Midlands 2024-25.