Buckinghamshire has officially welcomed its new High Sheriff, Pippa Kirkbride, who has been sworn into office for the year 2025-26.

The formal declaration ceremony, held at Jubilee Hall in Amersham on 4th April 2025, marked the commencement of Pippa’s tenure, a role steeped in tradition and service to the county. The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular role after the Crown and dates from Saxon times. Originally responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting taxes for the King, the role has evolved significantly over the centuries. Today, as the King’s representative for law and order, this year-long, non-political and independent appointment provides support for the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and the emergency services without resort to the public purse.

The High Sheriff offers encouragement to those supporting the charity and voluntary sectors and actively encourages crime prevention. The role is to uphold and enhance the ancient office while making a meaningful contribution to the county of Buckinghamshire.

Alongside these longstanding duties, Pippa spoke about two of her own themes that she is passionate about and will be focusing on this year:

Providing young people with the best possible start in life – Pippa believes that Buckinghamshire’s youth, the innovators, leaders, and change-makers of tomorrow, represent its future. The county benefits from excellent schools, dedicated educators, and numerous youth-focused organisations. However, significant challenges persist. Not every young person begins with equal opportunities, and many families require support to ensure their children’s success.

Pippa explained “Early intervention schemes have demonstrated their effectiveness in significantly reducing youth offending rates. This targeted support is not only effective but also highly efficient, improving long-term outcomes for families and communities. During my tenure, I aim to highlight and support initiatives that build confidence, resilience, and equip youth with essential life tools through education, employment, or mentoring programmes”

Volunteering for life – Pippa says that– “when people talk about volunteering, they often think about getting involved with a charity, helping in a shop, running a stall at a fundraiser or supporting a food bank. These roles are vital and such volunteering ensures charities are able to continue their work, but volunteering goes far beyond that”

She said “The justice sector, for instance, benefits from peer mentors in prisons, probation support, Magistrates, and restorative justice volunteers. It’s about recognising inherent value, dignity, and kindness”.

Pippa sees true benefit for the volunteer as well as the beneficiaries. “Volunteering combats stress, reduces isolation, and provides a sense of purpose. My own experience, finding a new chapter at Citizens Advice after redundancy in my fifties, attests to this”

Despite its significance, Pippa is aware that volunteer work often goes unacknowledged. So, she will celebrate young volunteers in June at Penn House, with thanks to Earl and Countess Howe. Furthermore, she is collaborating with Chris Hall on ‘Heart of Buckinghamshire,’ a photography and storytelling initiative capturing the diverse facets of volunteering. Organisations are invited to participate in this project, which will culminate in an autumn exhibition.

Pippa brings her own powerful legacy of community service. Her decade-long volunteer work with Citizens Advice as a Money Advice Caseworker, and her support for Sense, the deafblind charity, demonstrate her dedication to vulnerable individuals. A strong advocate for education, she served as a school governor, notably chairing The Beacon’s Admissions and Marketing Committee. Since 2020, her leadership at Heart of Bucks Community Foundation has driven impactful fundraising and grant initiatives, including the Young Futures Fund. Passionate about volunteering, she champions its transformative power, believing in its ability to build stronger communities and enrich lives.

“I am looking forward to being the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 2025-26. It will be a privilege to be able to serve in this role in the county, and I will be happy to support and spotlight the work of the amazing range of volunteer organisations I know make an enormous difference. As High Sheriff, I invite you all to join me in championing these causes. Let us work together to lift up our young people, to support them in fulfilling their potential, and to recognise and celebrate the power of volunteering in shaping a stronger, more connected Buckinghamshire.”

Throughout her year in office, Pippa is committed to upholding all of the duties and responsibilities of The High Sheriff alongside driving her own initiatives in the communities. Buckinghamshire residents can anticipate a year of dedicated service and community engagement under her leadership.

Congratulations Pippa!