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High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards [closed]

Awards for groups using the power of nature to benefit local communities.

We are delighted to announce that applications for the Hertfordshire High Sheriff Awards are now open. These annual Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work and initiatives that voluntary organisations carry out, which enable Hertfordshire to be a better place to live.

The current High Sheriff, Nicholas Buxton, has chosen a theme of ‘Nurture through Nature’ and charities/groups are invited to apply whose charitable work features nature, and the outdoors, to support vulnerable people and positively impact mental wellbeing, community cohesion, education and other social issues.

Nominations are welcome for organisations/projects that are:

  • Using nature to improve health and wellbeing, including targeted therapies for vulnerable groups.

  • Fostering inclusion and community cohesion through increased take up and enjoyment of local green spaces.

  • Delivering environmental benefits and improvements through the use of volunteers.

  • Promoting sustainability and wider understanding and appreciation of the natural world.



Eligibility Criteria

Eligible groups include charities, community and voluntary groups, CICs limited by guarantee and other not for profit organisations who:

  • Are based in Hertfordshire, or can show specifically how people in Hertfordshire benefit from their activities


  • Have a written constitution or set of rules


  • Are governed by a board of trustees/directors/management committee with at least 3 members (three of whom must be unrelated)



Timeline

  • Nominations open – Tuesday 9 September 2025

  • Deadline for nominations – Monday 6 October 2025 at 5pm

  • Shortlisting and visits - November 2025 to January 2026

  • Awards evening – March 2026



This programme is currently closed

National Crimebeat Awards

We are also looking for nominations of innovative and successful crime prevention projects carried out by young people for a National Crimebeat Award. Projects must prevent/reduce crime or anti-social behaviour or assist victims of crime and be delivered by young people, aged 25 and under, and involve them in the management. More information about the Awards can be found at National Crimebeat – The Youth Crime Prevention Charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association of England & Wales (national-crimebeat.com).

If successful in being put forward to represent Hertfordshire, groups will be considered by the High Sheriffs’ Association panel. Winners will be announced at the National Crimebeat Awards evening, held in London, on Tuesday 17th March 2026.

Time commitment for shortlisted groups

If you are shortlisted for a High Sheriff Award you may be asked to receive a visit from some of the panel members to show them your work. This would be between November 2025 and January 2026. You will also be asked to provide some information about your organisation for the awards ceremony presentation, which normally includes a short-written description, some images and video clips, which we will edit. You will be expected to attend an awards ceremony in March 2026, further details of which will be shared closer to the time.

Further information

For further information, or if you have any questions about the awards, please contact Sarah Greene on grants@hertscf.org.uk or call 01707 280 346.


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