High Sheriff Encourages Applications – 2025
13th October 2025
Charities and voluntary groups across Essex that are helping to protect people from harm, support victims of crime, or make their communities safer can now apply for grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
The High Sheriffs’ Fund provides vital support to a wide range of local initiatives and groups working to improve community safety. This includes efforts focused on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and many other related issues. Grants of up to £5,000 have previously supported projects such as services for victims of modern slavery, counselling for women and children affected by domestic abuse, diversionary activities for young people, and work placement schemes for ex-offenders.
The current High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh, has seen first-hand the dedication of volunteers and community organisations working to make Essex a safer place for everyone.
“The role of the High Sheriff is, in part, about recognising the important work of the charitable sector in making our communities safer places” said Julie. “I have been inspired by my visits across the county and the commitment of volunteers. The grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund are just one way of showing thanks and appreciation, so I very much encourage groups to apply.”
The High Sheriffs’ Fund is one of many charitable funds managed by ECF that support local people and communities. Through its partnerships with successive High Sheriffs, ECF ensures that funding is directed where it can have the greatest impact.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Policy and Programmes at ECF, said:
“We are pleased to work with successive High Sheriffs to ensure that the money from the Fund tackles important issues at a local level. We also have other charitable funds that can support community safety initiatives, so please contact our grants team for advice on making an application.”
To Apply
The deadline for applications is 1st of December 2025, and the panel will meet to review submissions in February 2025.
The Fund is open to any project or group across Essex with focuses linked to community safety.
To apply, Click here and select High Sheriff’s Fund from the dropdown menu.
You can also call the Grants Team on 01245 355947 for more information. We always recommend getting in touch first to ensure you have the right guidance before submitting your application
New High Sheriff of Essex is appointed
4th April 2023
History has been made by the appointment of Charles Bishop as the 843rd High Sheriff of Essex.
He is the first High Sheriff of Essex to take on the ancient role in the reign of the new monarch, King Charles III.
He said: “I am very honoured that in the 1,000-year history of the office of High Sheriff of Essex I have become the first to be appointed by King Charles III. It is a joy that my year as High Sheriff will include the coronation.
“I think at heart Essex is a monarchist county and that people will be swept along in the enthusiasm for it all, with many celebrations including street parties.”
As the whole country welcomes the crowning of the new King, there are also plenty of challenges facing many people in Essex. Charles Bishop has pledged that, as the new High Sheriff, he is ready to give his support and encouragement to help make the county a better and safer place.
“One of the roles of High Sheriff is responsibility for law and order and I want to give recognition and support to community groups whose work has a positive impact on crime prevention and community safety,” he said.
“A huge amount of voluntary work goes on in Essex and it is important to make sure that people are appreciated for what they are doing. With the current background of a rising cost-of-living I am conscious that it is a very difficult time for many people. The economy is also having an impact on funding which is affecting local authorities, community groups and volunteers.
“The judiciary is also facing cut backs year-on-year and this is a significant problem for the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts. They are all struggling and their ability to be effective is being reduced.”
During his year of office as High Sheriff, Charles will be supporting the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which is run by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF). The Fund gives grants to charities and voluntary organisations in the county working to strengthen community safety and promote crime prevention. Since it was set up in 1997, groups from across Essex have benefited annually from the fund and support totalling over £700,000.
As a trustee of ECF, Charles, who lives in Great Braxted, has a wide knowledge and understanding of the charitable sector and, through his career, he has also gained in-depth experience of the financial world.
He said: “I am looking forward to my year as High Sheriff and learning more about public sector organisations, the judiciary and the emergency services. I also want to recognise a range of faith groups to include those with other beliefs, as well as the Christian Church.”
Whilst carrying out his duties Charles will be supported by his wife, Nellie, a retired nurse. The couple, who have three grown up children, are Essex born and bred and have a deep-seated affection for the county.
Charles grew up in Colchester where his father was an Army brigade commander.
“I have a huge interest in Essex and its environment. It is such a big area with a population of more than one and half million people and a very long coastline, so I can’t claim to know the whole county. It will be fun to get out and about and meet as many people as possible,” Charles said.
“I want to keep fit, as it is a demanding role. I do have a little bit of trepidation, but every High Sheriff I have spoken to has found it the most interesting and rewarding year of their life.
“Some of my friends have been joking that, according to history, as High Sheriff, I will have the authority to raise a hue and cry. That won’t be happening, but I will certainly be putting my best foot forward.”
If you would like to support Charles during his year of office in raising money to support local charities, you can give online here or call Jo Macaulay on 01245 355947.
High Sheriff Awards celebrates the work of local charities
3rd March 2022
Local charities and voluntary organisations that contribute to community safety and crime prevention received thanks and recognition at the prestigious High Sheriffs’ Awards.
Among the projects receiving support are an innovative digital platform to help people who are homeless to access support, a counselling service for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, activities to keep young people off the streets and a project to raise awareness of drink “spiking”.
Around 180 guests attended this year’s ceremony held at Hylands House in Chelmsford with support from Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council. BBC Essex presenters, Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt, announced the award winners and conversations were broadcast live throughout the Evening Show.
Trophies, certificates and grants totalling £40,500 were presented by the outgoing High Sheriff of Essex, Simon Brice.
The grants came from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which was established to give credit to local initiatives that address crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour, and is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Simon Brice, the 841st of High Sheriff of Essex, has visited voluntary organisations around the County during his year of office. Simon said, “Over the last 12 months I have met with over 100 voluntary and community organisations across the County.
“It has been a privilege to learn about the wide scope of their work and I hope that I have helped to raise their profile and recognise their dedication and commitment to improve the lives of local people and make Essex a safer place.”
He added, “It is wonderful that so many people from across the County were able to come together to celebrate the achievements of our amazing voluntary and community groups in Essex. This is nothing less than they thoroughly deserve”.
The five main Award winners are:
- The High Sheriffs’ Cup was presented to UTurn4Support. Their youth workers are helping young people in Clacton to build life skills and develop resilience to prevent them from becoming a victim of crime. They also received £3,000.
- The Essex County Council Bowl which recognises voluntary organisations that work in partnership to deliver programmes, was awarded to Safe Steps. Based in Southend, Safe Steps works in partnership with Essex Police, local agencies and other charities to help women and children who have experienced domestic abuse get the support they need. They also received £2,000.
- The Essex County Fire & Rescue Shield, which recognises an organisation’s work with young people, was awarded to Kaos Youth Club. The Rochford youth club has become a focal point for young people, playing a significant role in keeping them off the streets and helping them to use their free time positively. A grant of £1,500 will help cover their running costs.
- The Essex Police Cup was given to African Families in the UK which provides activities and support to young people from ethnic communities in Colchester. They also educate them in how to keep safe and make positive life choices which could affect their future. A grant of £3,000 will support this work.
- The High Sheriffs Shield has been awarded to Open Road. This is in recognition of their outstanding work helping people who are struggling with an addiction, and for their valuable outreach work on the volunteer-run SOS buses. A grant of £2,000 will support their latest awareness and prevention campaign on the issue of drink “spiking”.
Since the High Sheriffs’ Fund came under ECF’s management in 1997 it has distributed grants totalling nearly £700,000.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF, said, “We are delighted to manage the High Sheriffs’ Fund and work with successive High Sheriffs’, to increase the amount of funding available each year to support voluntary organisations that contribute to community safety in Essex.”
On top of the £40,500 being presented from the High Sheriff’s Fund, ECF will award an additional £132,000 from other funds under its management.
The High Sheriffs’ Award Scheme recognises community initiatives which address crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour. The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The High Sheriff receives no expenses and the role comes at no cost to the public purse.
View a list of all organisations that received grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund 2022 here.
To view and download photos of the High Sheriff of Essex with certificates and trophies for each of the groups, visit our Flickr page here.
Community garden in Loughton to flourish thanks to funding boost
20th October 2021
A volunteer community garden project in Loughton has received a welcome funding boost to continue providing healthy outdoor activities for local people and support mental well-being.
Restore Community (RC) received £4,000 from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
RC supports people of all ages and helps to meet the needs of local communities in West Essex. As well as their impressive community garden, they run the Oakwood Hill Community Centre in Debden where a range of activities for children and young people take place, including holiday clubs where the children who would normally receive free school meals can engage in crafts, sports and they also receive a hot lunch.
In addition, they offer support services for vulnerable residents and those needing help with accessing local services.
Jo Mackey, Head of Restore Community said, “All of the projects benefit the local community, including low-income families who are unable to afford the mainstream playgroups and activities for their children. The Community Garden has been particularly helpful to people who have felt isolated after the COVID-19 pandemic and who have found a sense of well-being by being able to volunteer.
“Everything we have achieved in the GROW Garden has been the collective effort of people in the community who have come together and volunteered their time to create this inclusive and supportive space.
“The social connections and friendships formed are an important part of our project and this helps to combat social isolation.
“The Garden is open twice a week and we also host a group of adults with learning difficulties and a group of young people with special educational needs and complex disabilities who work alongside our community volunteers.
“We love growing organic fruit and vegetables together and everyone who joins us experiences the benefits of social connection, physical activity and teamwork.”
The High Sheriff of Essex, Simon Brice, visited the community garden and surprised Brian, a garden volunteer, by presenting him with a High Sheriff certificate.
This was in recognition of Brian’s dedication and contribution to the gardening project.
Simon said: “This Award is thoroughly well-deserved. Brian is one of their core volunteers and I was told that he always goes the ‘extra mile’.
“Brian attends every session, all year round, and helps the other volunteers, some of whom have special needs and disabilities, to ensure that they can meaningfully take part and contribute to the project.
“He brings vast experience and knowledge of both gardening and construction to the site and during my visit I was very impressed with the brilliant work that is being done at GROW. They have such a positive impact in the local community and help to bring people together.”
Jo added, “Brian is a real asset to the community garden – he is the brains, the brawn and the heart of all that we do.”
If you are a local charity or voluntary organisation that is in need of funding to support your work, please contact ECF on 01245 356018 or click here for more information.