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Three members of ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ staff have been recognised with special honours by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire.

During his time in the role, Andrew Manning-Cox presented Residential Experience Manager, Judith Bick, with a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community. Ms Bick has done many years of volunteering to help the homeless in Birmingham. She has volunteered at Birmingham Christmas Shelter, which provides food, shelter and various services for homeless people over the festive period, every Christmas for the last seven years and in the lead up she raises donations of clothing and money.

Meanwhile Jane Shore, Operations Manager in the Communications and External Affairs team, received the High Sheriff’s Award for outstanding service to the community of Worcestershire, marking her exceptional contribution towards events fundraising for the University’s Charity of the Year.

Mr Manning-Cox, who has now come to the end of his year in the position, also presented the ³ÉÈËBÕ¾’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE DL, with the High Sheriff of Worcestershire’s Extra Mile Award lapel pin. This Award recognises those who have made particular contributions to the life of the County and helped the High Sheriff during his tenure.

Professor Green said: “I am very honoured to have received this Award and also welcome Andrew’s recognition of the work, often unsung, that my colleagues do to help people in the region through either volunteering or fundraising. As a University we are always keen to work with those figures in the community that strive to make a difference and Andrew has certainly demonstrated that commitment during his time in post. I am delighted that the University has been able to help him in his endeavours.”

The High Sheriff visited the University for a tour of its facilities early in his role when he praised its vision and contribution to the City and Worcestershire. The University went on to host the inaugural High Sheriff’s Lecture at its City Campus in October last year. The talk, which was given by Sir Andrew McFarlane, is planned to be a new annual lecture series sponsored by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire.

Mr Manning-Cox said: “I have very much enjoyed working with David in the year of my Shrievalty. The University has been a great help to me in my role promoting the reputation and life of this great County of ours. A highlight would be the High Sheriff’s Lecture I organised that was sponsored by the University. It brought together a happy combination of my support as High Sheriff for the judiciary and legal system in the County and beyond and of course for our University. David has gone the extra mile in supporting me. We have worked hand in hand to do what we have achieved. I was also very glad to recognise during my tenure two exceptional members of staff who have gone above and beyond to help their community.”

Mr Manning-Cox concluded his duties at the end March, relinquishing the role of High Sheriff of Worcestershire to Louise Hewett, the founder and former director of Hewett Recruitment, who retired in 2021 after more than 40 years in business. She was present to witness Professor Green receive his award and is a Fellow of the University.

At over 1,000 years old, the office of High Sheriff is the oldest royal appointment. It is represented in every county in England and Wales, and its history and tradition predate the Norman conquest.

The High Sheriff is the Queen’s highest judicial officer in the county. Nowadays the role, which is a voluntary one, involves a range of ceremonial, charitable and community functions as well as support for the Judiciary and public services such as police, probation, ambulance and prison services in the County.