The High Sheriff's Awards

High Sheriff’s Awards 2026 – Nominations Now Closed

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination for the 2026 High Sheriff’s Awards. Each year, these awards provide an opportunity to recognise the quiet, committed individuals who go the extra mile for others and whose impact is felt across communities in Oxfordshire.

The High Sheriff’s Awards celebrate around 20 individuals annually who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to community life. Awardees are typically people whose efforts have had a lasting impact on others and who are regarded by their peers as inspirational role models.

In keeping with this year’s theme, Hearing the Young Unheard, particular encouragement was given to nominations recognising young people, and those who work alongside and support them. The response to this focus has been both thoughtful and encouraging.

High Sheriff’s Awards are not normally made to individuals whose work has already been recognised by a national honour, or by bodies such as the Police, the Fire and Rescue Service, or Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action.

What happens next

• Notification
  Successful nominees will be contacted during February 2026.

• Awards Ceremony
  Awards will be formally presented at a ceremony in central Oxford in March 2026. Awardees will be invited to attend with their nominators, family members and friends. Further details will be shared directly with those involved.

All nominations are treated in strict confidence, and nominees are not informed unless they are selected to receive an award.

Looking ahead

Nominations for the 2027 High Sheriff’s Awards will open in autumn 2026. Details will be published on this website nearer the time, and we warmly encourage you to consider who you might wish to nominate in the future.

Once again, thank you to everyone who helped shine a light on the people who make Oxfordshire such a strong, generous and connected county.