Appointment of the Under Sheriff for the County of Derbyshire

The current Under Sheriff of Derbyshire Andrew Cochrane has indicated an intention to retire as Under Sheriff with effect from April 2024.

Applications are now invited for the appointment of Under Sheriff of Derbyshire to commence at that time. The long lead in period is designed to enable the successful applicant to shadow the current Under Sheriff.

Background

High Sheriffs hold the oldest secular office under the Crown. High Sheriffs are appointed and serve for a period of one year and their principal role now is to represent the Crown in matters of law and justice within the County. High Sheriffs are drawn from a wide pool of people throughout the County and are normally nominated for office several years in advance of them actually taking up the post. The role of the Under Sheriff is to support the High Sheriff in their duties however whilst technically appointed from year to year they tend to serve for a number of years bringing some continuity to the office.

Key duties

The High Sheriff plays an important part in the life of the County and as such the Under Sheriff provides assistance in the organisation and performance of certain of their duties.

Examples of specific matters which involve the Under Sheriff are as follows.

• Acting as secretary to the Nominations Committee for the role of High Sheriff.

• Organising and overseeing the installation of each High Sheriff usually in April of any year.

• Maintaining a database of key shrieval contacts.

• Organising and playing a leading role in the Annual Legal Service held at Derby Cathedral during October

• Liaising with the Judiciary.

• Organising and playing a leading role in the annual Court Awards ceremony.

• Organising the annual Shrievalty Dinner.

In addition to the above the Under Sheriff will receive and deal with certain routine items of correspondence and on occasion act as deputy to represent the High Sheriff at events where they are unable to attend themselves. The current Under Sheriff’s firm, Flint Bishop, also provides some limited support in terms of the High Sheriff’s website https:// derbyshirehighsheriff.co.uk/

Who might the role suit?

This role would be of interest to anybody who is willing to play an active part in the life of the County. It provides the opportunity for a unique insight into the county, its institutions and its people. The role is interesting and varied and relatively unique given that there are only 55 Under Sheriffs in the Country. It provides opportunities for participation in some very special events in the life of Country and County for example both the High Sheriff and Under Sheriff played an important role in the proclamation of King Charles III within the County in September of last year. In addition to being willing to participate in the life of the county the individual concerned must be able to bring a presence to occasions in which they will often be required to perform a key role. The ability to organise and manage events is important.Whilst a knowledge of the legal and court system would be an advantage and the role of Under Sheriff is often held by a Solicitor it is not a requirement and applications are welcome from people of all backgrounds and careers . Please note the role is unpaid .

Applications

Application is by way of a CV which should be sent initially to office@derbyshirehighsheriff.co.uk to be received not later than 15th June 2023. Interviews are likely to take place during July

Persons who may be interested in the role are encouraged to have an initial discussion with the current Under Sheriff, Andrew Cochrane, who can be contacted by email andrew. cochrane@flintbishop.co.uk or by mobile telephone number on 07720 414598.