CAROLINE HARLOW APPOINTED HIGH SHERIFF OF DEVON: A YEAR OF ACTION AHEAD - ⭕
Report by Kelly Leonard for Pulman's Weekly News
Prison volunteer and Devon Community Foundation trustee pledges to raise awareness of gambling addiction and reoffending.
Devon’s new High Sheriff, Caroline Harlow, has officially taken office following a formal declaration ceremony at Exeter Cathedral on Friday, 28th March. The 70-year-old Exeter resident, a dedicated community volunteer and trustee of the Devon Community Foundation, has pledged to use her year in office to shine a light on the often-hidden issue of gambling addiction and its links to reoffending.
Caroline’s commitment to tackling gambling-related harm stems from her extensive work supporting prisoners and vulnerable people. As a member of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Channings Wood, she has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and their families. She now aims to spark conversations across Devon about the challenges faced by those affected, as well as to champion organisations that help former prisoners reintegrate into society.
“I’m deeply honoured and excited by the potential of my role,” said Caroline.
Her journey into community service began after a career as a speech and language therapist, specialising in communication disorders in people with acquired brain injuries. Following early retirement, she spent six years volunteering in the kitchen at St Petrock’s homeless centre in Exeter, where she was struck by how many people experiencing homelessness had recently been released from prison and were battling addiction.
“Listening to people’s stories while volunteering in the kitchen at St Petrock’s alerted me to how many of those who were sleeping rough or were without a home of their own had come out of prison and were continuing to struggle with addiction,” she explained. “This led to my volunteering for the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Channings Wood.”
Through this role, she met two former prisoners who had lost their high-level careers, homes, and families to gambling addiction. “They opened my eyes to this often-hidden addiction’s pernicious grip and the devastating harm it causes,” she said. “I am now focusing my volunteering work on bringing about awareness and change for those whose gambling addiction has led them to prison in Devon.”
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment that dates back over 1,000 years to Saxon times. Originally responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting taxes, the role has evolved to focus on supporting the judiciary, law enforcement, and community organisations working in crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Caroline’s appointment has been warmly welcomed by colleagues and community leaders. Mary Hancock, CEO of Devon Community Foundation, praised her dedication to social causes: “Caroline has been closely involved with Devon Community Foundation for many years, both as a donor and as a trustee. We know that she is committed to using her time as High Sheriff to support the voluntary sector in Devon and to promote the incredible work that grassroots community organisations do across the county. And she will continue the High Sheriff’s close work with people involved with the criminal justice system. We are very proud that Caroline will be taking on this prestigious role and we wish her all the best for the year ahead.”
Following the declaration ceremony at Exeter Cathedral, a choral evensong was held, followed by a private reception for guests. In keeping with Caroline’s commitment to rehabilitation, the buffet supper was prepared by prisoners at HMP Channings Wood who had completed a 17-week training course with Weston College.
Reflecting on her new role, Caroline said: “My career as a speech and language therapist gave me my first taste of the satisfaction of working closely with people to help them achieve what at one time they thought would be impossible. Fifty years later I’m still committed to the same values. But now I’m in a pivotal position to bring together people working in crime reduction, the voluntary sector, the judicial system, and the custodial services. I can’t wait to get started.”
With a year ahead focused on advocacy, collaboration, and raising awareness, Caroline Harlow’s tenure as High Sheriff of Devon promises to be one of action, impact, and meaningful change.
( Photo: Caroline Harlow 📸 )
