High Sheriff of Greater London
Celebrating and Connecting our Communities
Welcome to the website of the High Sheriff of Greater London for 2025-2026, John Garbutt. We hope this window on his work will interest you and maybe inspire you to find out more or get involved in some way.
As His Majesty the King’s representative for law and order in Greater London, the High Sheriff supports both the work of the judiciary and the wider justice system in Greater London. Effective laws and justice underpin our democracy, liberties, safety, economic and personal rights and the freedoms we enjoy. They provide protections for the vulnerable. Work is done to support the justice system including volunteers and charities, together with people caught up in it or who face need. Volunteers act as witness support, magistrates, special police constables, Samaritans, in prison visitor centres and supporting prisoner rehabilitation. This is just a snapshot. The aim of the High Sheriff is to provide a spotlight on some of this work and on some of the issues people face. It is a privilege to support, celebrate and connect these various and diverse communities.
The office of High Sheriff dates back to the seventh century, making it the oldest civic office in England aside from the Monarch. The High Sheriff of Greater London is appointed by the Sovereign and it is a non-political and unpaid role which runs for a year.
The High Sheriff of Greater London works with a number of organisations and charities which are listed under Our Work.
A large number of people work tirelessly to keep the Justice system going and to support people in their communities. The High Sheriff hopes to meet as many of these people as possible during his time in office, to thank them for their work.
Celebrating unsung heroes who support the justice system in London day in and day out is at the heart of the High Sheriff role. Activities include:
- Presenting the High Sheriff’s Justice & Youth Awards – held twice a year at the Supreme Court and Inner London Crown Court.
- Presenting the High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Awards in courts, prisons and to staff and volunteers supporting charitable works during his visits.
- Bringing people together such as at the annual High Sheriff’s Justice Service of Thanksgiving at Southwark Cathedral and the High Sheriff’s Afternoon Tea Party.
A particular focus for his year as High Sheriff is to improve the level of mental health in London prisons by setting up a charity to support this goal.
John Garbutt JP, High Sheriff of Greater London 2025-26