'Honouring those who serve the community'
Interview with Katherine Jones, Undersheriff of Dorset
About the Office Of High-Sheriff and Undersheriff
The Office of High Sheriff is a non-political role by Royal Appointment for one year. The orgins of the office date back to Saxon times but today the role is more supportive, particularly for the public and voluntary sector. Since 1887 the High Sheriff has had a legal duty to appoint an Undersheriff and in many counties this role is usually given to a solicitor, who has the skills and experience to vie the support required.Â
Q. Youâve been the Undersheriff for over a decade now, what is it that initially attracted you to the post, and is it the same thing that has kept you in it for such a long time? If not, what is it now?
When I first took on the role of Undersheriff, it was the opportunity to become involved with the  proud tradition of the office that drew me in. Over time, what has kept me in this position is the deep respect I have developed for the incredible individuals in the charity sector and emergency services who dedicate their lives to serving our community. My role allows me to actively participate in recognising and supporting their efforts, which is immensely fulfilling. The sense of continuity and purpose that comes from being part of such a historic and meaningful office has become an important part of my professional life.
Q. I understand that for some High Sheriffs, they have a purpose, a direction if you like, which governs their time in office. For Colin Weston it was âHelping one anotherâ, and for Anthony Woodhouse, among other things, it was âcelebrating and thanking those that make Dorset the wonderful county it isâ. What would you say is yours? Or is your role by necessity more functional and less open to interpretation by incumbents?
While my role as Undersheriff is primarily functionalâsupporting the High Sheriff in the smooth running of their office and managing the legal and ceremonial aspectsâthere is certainly room for purpose. My guiding principle has always been to ensure that the work we do honours those who serve the community. Whether itâs through administering the charitable fund in the High Sheriffâs name or ensuring that events run seamlessly, I see my role as one of facilitation and support. My aim is to ensure that the High Sheriffâs vision, whatever it may be, is effectively realised, and that our office continues to be a pillar of recognition for the extraordinary work done by so many in Dorset.
Q. I know that with the office of Mayor, they sometimes complain of being part of a âchain gangâ attending the same events every year. Is there a regular set of events that you attend, or is each year different? Certainly from speaking to Anthony Woodhouse and the previous High Sheriff, Colin Weston, it seems a more varied role than the mayoral ones!
The role of Undersheriff is indeed varied, much more so than some other ceremonial positions. While there are regular events that form the backbone of our dutiesâsuch as the swearing-in of the High Sheriff, the High Sheriffâs annual legal services, and key charity eventsâeach year brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. The Undersheriffs of the region attend as many legal services in other Bailiwicks as possible,  bearing in mind that the majority of us are practicing solicitors with our own busy practices and lives to lead.  The focus of the High Sheriff can influence the types of events we attend or support, which keeps the role dynamic and engaging. Additionally, the role is deeply rooted in the community, meaning that no two years are ever quite the same, and each High Sheriffâs tenure brings a fresh perspective and new priorities.
Q. I presume there will be occasions when you either join the High Sheriff, or go in their place?
Absolutely, there are occasions when I accompany the High Sheriff to events or step in on their behalf. My role is to ensure continuity and support, so if the High Sheriff is unable to attend an event, I can represent the office. This might involve attending formal functions or supporting charity initiatives. Itâs a partnership that requires flexibility and an understanding of the duties involved to ensure  that the responsibilities of the office are fulfilled.
Q. Sometimes it must be quite a challenge to balance the work you have undertaken over the years in support of the Sheriff, and juggling it with being a Senior Partner at HK Law, and a member of the Dorset Law Society. How do you manage it - do you think youâre a workaholic?
Juggling the demands of being the Senior Partner of HK Law, my daily work as a commercial property lawyer and Head of the Land Law Department  and the responsibilities of the Undersheriff can indeed be challenging. My involvement with Dorset Law Society used to be much greater than it is now ; I now merely turn up to meetings , and that not always! I  am  fortunate to have an excellent team around me who help make it possible. Delegation, time management, and a clear focus on priorities are key. I wouldnât necessarily describe myself as a workaholic (although my family certainly would), but I am deeply committed to all my roles. The support I receive from my colleagues and family allows me to maintain this balance, ensuring that I can contribute effectively across all my responsibilities.
Q. The office of High Sheriff is of course an ancient one, going back over a 1000 years, and among other duties was responsible for enforcing law and order, a la the Sheriff of Nottingham in the tales of Robin Hood. So a good fit for a partner in a law firm! Nowadays of course the role is largely ceremonial, but I believe there are aspects which link it back to its roots? Do you enjoy that historical connection with the past and how does the office of Undersheriff fit in with that? Â
The historical connection is one of the most fascinating aspects of the role. While the Undersheriffâs duties today are largely ceremonial and administrative, they are deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. The continuity of the office, from enforcing law and order in medieval times to supporting charitable and community-focused initiatives today, is something I deeply appreciate. As a partner in a law firm, I find this link to the past particularly meaningful. Itâs a reminder of the enduring principles of justice and community service that still guide our work today. The role of Undersheriff allows me to contribute to this legacy, ensuring that the office remains relevant and respected in modern times.
Contact details for the High Sheriff and Undersheriff of Dorset can be found on the High Sheriff Associations website
