Devon’s new High Sheriff pledges to tackle gambling addiction in the criminal justice system

Devon’s newly appointed High Sheriff, Caroline Harlow, was officially declared in a ceremony at Exeter Cathedral on Friday, March 28. Harlow, a dedicated community leader and trustee of Devon Community Foundation, will use her tenure to raise awareness about gambling addiction, particularly among those in the prison system.

Caroline, 70, from Exeter, has a long history of public service. Her experience as a speech and language therapist and her work with prisoners and homelessness charities have shaped her mission to support ex-offenders, prevent reoffending, and address hidden addictions.

“I’m deeply honoured and excited by the potential of my role,” said Caroline. “Gambling addiction is often hidden but has a devastating impact, leading people into financial ruin, crime, and ultimately, prison. My goal is to get people talking about this issue and to support initiatives that help individuals recover and reintegrate into society.”

Caroline’s focus on gambling addiction stems from her volunteer work with the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Channings Wood, where she met former prisoners whose lives had been destroyed by gambling. She aims to work closely with support organisations, prisons, and the voluntary sector to advocate for more awareness and intervention programmes.

The High Sheriff’s Office is one of the oldest secular positions in the UK, dating back over 1,000 years to Saxon times when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible for law enforcement and tax collection on behalf of the Crown. Today, the role is largely ceremonial but remains an important link between the Crown, the judiciary, law enforcement, and the voluntary sector.

There are 55 High Sheriffs in England and Wales, each serving a one-year term, during which they:

• Support the Crown and the judiciary

• Encourage crime prevention and rehabilitation efforts

• Promote the work of local charities and community foundations

• Recognise unsung heroes working in public service and the voluntary sector

Caroline began her career as a speech and language therapist before taking a break to raise her two children with her husband, Dr. Tim Harlow, a GP. She later specialised in communication disorders and brain injuries in both the NHS and private sectors before retiring early to dedicate herself to community service.

She has been actively involved in St Petrock’s homeless charity in Exeter, where she spent six years volunteering in the kitchen. It was there that she learned about the link between homelessness, addiction, and former prisoners, which led her to join the Independent Monitoring Board at Channings Wood Prison.

Caroline has also played a key role in the Devon Community Foundation, serving as acting chair of trustees and helping to distribute grants to grassroots charities tackling poverty, homelessness, and social inequality.

The High Sheriff’s Declaration Service at Exeter Cathedral was followed by a choral evensong and a buffet supper prepared by prisoners at HMP Channings Wood who had completed a 17-week catering training course at Weston College.

Caroline will wear the traditional Court Dress, which dates back to the 18th century and includes a black velvet coat with cut-steel buttons, a lace jabot, and a ceremonial sword. However, she said that her focus will be on action rather than tradition.

“My career has always been about helping people overcome challenges they once thought impossible. Now, as High Sheriff, I have the opportunity to bring together leaders from crime prevention, the judicial system, and the voluntary sector to create real change.”

The first woman to become High Sheriff of Devon was Mrs Elizabeth Anne Eden, of Culver, Longdown, near Exeter, in 1992, after hundreds of years of the post being held by men.