On 3rd April James Macnamara ended his term as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire where he recognised those in the lesser-known roles in the justice system. He handed over to John May, a distinguished leader in the voluntary, education and youth work sectors.
James Macnamara’s tenure as the 2024-25 High Sheriff was marked by his desire to shine a light on the areas of justice which are too often overlooked, and to give those working in these lesser known roles some well deserved recognition. His year as High Sheriff reminded us that justice is upheld not only by judges and police officers, but by an entire community – many of whom he celebrated with care, humour and generosity.
During James’ Shrieval year we were delighted to work with him in his charitable endeavours. We are most grateful for his kind sponsorship of our annual Giving Tuesday event, enabling us to engage with more people and highlight the work being done by Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) across the county. OCF also held James’ High Sheriff’s fund which made a donation into our Living Essentials Fund, from which 33 grants were made totalling £270,000.
In the historic setting of Oxford’s historic Old Court of Assizes at County Hall John May CVO OBE DL was formally declared as the new High Sheriff of Oxfordshire on 3rd April, taking over the reins from James for the next year. John is a distinguished leader in the voluntary, education and youth work sectors. Currently serving as the Chief Executive of Cats Protection, John has dedicated his career to empowering communities and organisations globally including his tenure as Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and Vice Chair of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
John’s focus for his Shrieval year is to ‘Hearing the Young Unheard’.
During his declaration speech he said: “many young people in Oxfordshire are doing well – flourishing in homes and schools, in sports clubs, youth organisations and communities. But others are not. Some feel invisible. Some feel silenced. Some have been told, by systems or by society, that they don’t belong, or don’t matter.” John continued: “if we want to prevent harm – and reduce crime before it takes root – we need to listen to these young voices. Not with suspicion, but with compassion. Not with impatience, but with intention.”
The High Sheriff John May Fund will support this work, and is hosted and administered by OCF.
We look forward to championing and celebrating the work that John May does during his Shrieval year.
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. The role now has an emphasis on supporting the local justice system, law enforcement authorities, prisons and probation service and being an advocate for them in our community, as well as working closely with local charities.
Visit the High Sheriff’s website to find out more