Kay Marriott JP, has been appointed as High Sheriff for the Isle of Wight from April 2022.
Kay is Island born, and following her education at Cowes High School, commenced her nurse training in 1976.
Highly respected
Highly respected in her profession, she has a BSc (Hons) in Clinical Practice; being an ‘Associate of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare’ and a Nurse Prescriber. Kay led the GUM (Genital, Urinary Medicine) department to be one of the first in the country to become an award winning, integrated sexual health service.
Kay’s management and leadership experience enabled her to take up further roles on the Island such as Head of Nursing and Clinical Director for the then, Community Directorate.
Sound leadership and management skills
During her career Kay enhanced her management and leadership skills, undertaking management programmes through her NHS role and Reading University. She also supported Portsmouth University Nurse Education recruitment and was a NVQ Assessor.
These ‘transferrable’ leadership and management skills were also employed as a Company Secretary for Marriott Design, working with her husband, Brian, where she gained extensive business and marketing experience.
After 45 years in the NHS, pre-Covid, Kay had planned to retire in March 2020 however, since then she has been involved in numerous Covid related programmes, most recently the St Mary’s Hospital vaccination hub.
Marriott: My theme is Inspire to Aspire
Kay said,
“I feel extremely humbled and privileged to have been chosen to be the Island’s High Sheriff for the forthcoming year and I promise to raise awareness to this important ceremonial role in our community, continuing the High Sheriff’s role in crime prevention, whilst equally, I will be doing all I can to raise the profile of organisations which support my theme within the community.
“My theme is Inspire to Aspire.
“Having volunteered as a Magistrate over the last three years and one of the original ‘Island Youth Offending Panel’ members, I am mindful that some of those repeat offenders we see in court, entered the judicial system at a young age. Organisations that support young people to aspire to make better lifestyle choices are so important.
“Therefore, my theme Inspire to Aspire aims to highlight the work of people and organisations who dedicate their time to supporting young people at risk, and to inspire others to play a part.
“However, it is not just about young people, I know personally I have been inspired to improve myself, taken paths that have enhanced my career and my personal life and I hope, has had a positive impact on those around me.
“The role one person can have in changing the course of our lives cannot be underestimated.
“We can all be positive role models, give our time volunteering or acknowledging others and make a difference to the island community in some way, to make it a better place to live and enjoy.”
The High Sheriff’s Trust
Kay will be promoting the High Sheriff’s Trust, a fund which has supported over 200 Island charities, groups and individuals on the Island.
Donations to the High Sheriff’s Trust are distributed to worthy causes, those who make a difference to the island community in some way, that make it a better place to live and enjoy.
Details how to donate can be found on the HS Website.
Cowes resident
Kay lives in Cowes with her husband Brian, has two daughters, a stepson and daughter and five grandchildren.
She enjoys spending time with family and friends, an active member of the Isle of Wight Cantata Choir, a volunteer for Northwood House and her hobbies include keeping fit and reading.
Duties and responsibilities of a High Sheriff
The High Sheriff is a voluntary role and those appointed to the position meet all the costs of their office each year without any expenses falling on the public purse.
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The duties associated with the role have evolved over time however the focus of the appointment remains to support the Crown and the judiciary. In modern times, this often involves playing an active role in community safety and promoting the interests of the criminal justice agencies and voluntary organisations which are working together to prevent crime and reduce demand for blue light services. Many are also committed to increasing the profile of the work of local crime reduction initiatives, particularly those that offer diversionary activities and skills training to young people and other vulnerable people.
By nature of their Royal appointment, High Sheriffs are well-placed to honour and recognise the achievements of members of the community who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect their communities, the wider public and maintain the reputation of their county. A number of High Sheriffs have established their own personal awards system which they present to the unsung heroes within small charity or voluntary groups who have delivered outstanding service to their cause. On occasions, High Sheriffs will also present one-off awards to those, who in the opinion of a Judge during a criminal trial, have actively apprehended an offender in the interests of public safety.
Although a representative of the Crown, High Sheriffs are entitled to organise their duties and day-to-day activities according to their particular skills, experience and own areas of interest including their designated charities. The key responsibilities of the appointment are as follows:
- To uphold and enhance the ancient Office of High Sheriff and to make a meaningful contribution to the High Sheriff’s County throughout the year of Office.
- To lend active support the Constitution within the county – the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police, and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, the Church and faith groups.
- To assist and support visiting High Judges to the county, offering hospitality and attending to them at Court
- To support the Lord-Lieutenant during Royal visits and on other appropriate ceremonious occasions.
- Acting as Returning Officer for parliamentary elections
- Proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign and maintaining the loyalty of subjects to the Crown
- Appointing an Under Sheriff and carrying out various ceremonial functions
- Nominating a future High Sheriff
- To actively promote the work of the voluntary sector within the county, raising awareness of the initiatives underway for the benefit of the wider community
The origin of High Sheriffs dates back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was accountable 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.
Currently, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving across the counties of England and Wales.
News shared by Brian on behalf of the office of the Isle of Wight High Sheriff. Ed
