What Do You Do? podcast
Maynard Burton | High Sheriff of Worcestershire
There are two things that come to mind when you think of a sheriff. Either it’s the lawman in a cowboy film, wearing a Stetson hat, a gold star on the chest and riding a horse. Or far more appropriately to the UK, the nasty and villainous Sheriff of Nottingham constantly thwarted by Robin Hood.
The role of High Sheriff has it roots in the latter, but as time has gone by, many of the original responsibilites have been shared across other roles. For example, the High Sheriff doesn’t have to assemble a posse to chase down brigands anymore. Now the role is largely ceremonial, but nevertheless an important one, as it has been preserved purely to make a positive impact.
In this episode of the What Do You Do? podcast, Maynard Burton explains exactly how the role of High Sheriff has evolved over the past thousand years to be something that benefits the county of Worcestershire.
Key Takeaways
- The High Sheriff used to collect taxes and round up posses. It was such a large responsibility that many people tried to avoid it.
- Nowadays, the role still holds significance as a purely ceremonial role, preserved to make a positive contribution to the county.
- The High Sheriff can select a specific cause to champion throughout their year in office, though they are happy to consider supporting any chariteable cause that asks.
The Role of the High Sheriff
Historical Origins
Many associate the High Sheriff with historic law enforcement or distant royal customs, but in today’s Worcestershire, the role is largely ceremonial with a focus on community and charitable work. Maynard Burton was appointed by the King, a tradition that dates back over a thousand years, although the role has changed significantly from its powerful medieval origins.
Historically, High Sheriffs like the Sheriff of Nottingham held immense power – raising taxes, overseeing law and order, and even supervising hangings until the mid-1960s. Today, their position is mostly symbolic and focused on supporting the machinery of justice, the royal family, and charitable causes within their county.
Making a Positive Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of Maynard’s role is supporting voluntary organisations and charities that serve Worcestershire. His approach emphasises championing small, often overlooked charities, particularly those supporting vulnerable groups such as young people emerging from care or individuals with medical difficulties.
Maynard actively visits charities, presents awards recognising outstanding volunteers, and raises awareness about their needs. For example, he highlighted a charity called Reach, which supports people with learning difficulties, and celebrated a dedicated bus driver with the High Sheriff’s Award after nearly 30 years of service. These recognitions help shine a spotlight on unsung heroes whose tireless efforts are vital for local communities. Moreover, Maynard’s involvement extends to events like a charity golf day, targeted at raising funds for local causes. The funds gathered are managed by the Worcestershire Charitable Foundation, aiming to benefit a range of community projects.
While the powers of the High Sheriff have diminished over time, its significance persists in fostering community loyalty and charitable spirit.
What Do We Do?
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written by
Videographer and video producer with over 15 years experience in both B2B and B2C video marketing. He writes about everything he learned delivering over 1200 video projects across the engineering, education, charity and tech sectors.
