Carmen Watson has been declared High Sheriff of the County of the West Midlands during a ceremonial sitting at the Queen Elizabeth Law Courts in Birmingham. The appointment marks the start of her tenure in one of the oldest secular offices in the UK, representing the Crown in matters relating to the administration of justice across the county.
Carmen Watson, from Wolverhampton, was invited by His Majesty the King to become High Sheriff at Buckingham Palace on 10th March 2026. She succeeds Mark Lyndon Smith, who held the position for 2025–2026.
The High Sheriff role dates back to Saxon times, with only a brief interruption during Oliver Cromwell’s rule. Today, it is a one-year voluntary, non-political, and ceremonial appointment, supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services, and voluntary organisations. The position, created in the West Midlands in 1974, focuses on protecting the dignity and well-being of His Majesty’s subjects in the county.
Carmen Watson said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of High Sheriff of the West Midlands. I look forward to supporting the judiciary, emergency services and voluntary organisations across our county, and to continuing to champion opportunity, inclusion and community cohesion throughout my year in office.”
Carmen Watson is widely recognised as one of the West Midlands’ most influential business leaders. She has spent her entire career with Pertemps Network Group, joining the organisation in the 1970s and rising from an entry-level role to Chair of the UK’s largest independently owned recruitment business.
Under her leadership, Pertemps Network Group has grown into a national organisation employing thousands of people and placing tens of thousands into work each year. The company emphasises inclusion, workforce development, and community impact, with a reported turnover of around £1 billion. Watson has been recognised internationally for leadership in the staffing industry and advocacy for workforce inclusion.
In addition to her business achievements, Watson has been active in civic and charitable roles, serving as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands since 2023 and holding advisory and leadership positions in skills development, equality of opportunity, and regional economic growth. She holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Aston University.
The declaration ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Law Courts highlighted Birmingham’s role in regional justice and civic traditions. Attendees included previous High Sheriff Mark Lyndon Smith, Under Sheriff Greg Lowson, HM Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE, The Honourable Mr Justice Choudhury, HHJ Smith KC as Recorder of Birmingham, her Chaplain The Revd Chris Kennedy, her Clerk Phoebe Hughes, as well as cadets, family, and friends.
Carmen Watson’s year as High Sheriff is expected to emphasise opportunity, inclusion, and community cohesion, building on her record in both private and public sectors. Activities typically include engagements with the judiciary, emergency services, and voluntary groups, providing visible support for the administration of justice.
The appointment continues the tradition of High Sheriffs from diverse professional backgrounds contributing their experience to serve the county. Local leaders and organisations have welcomed the news as recognition of contributions made by business figures to regional development, particularly initiatives in workforce development and sustainable employment.
Her journey from entry-level recruitment roles in the 1970s to leading a major national firm demonstrates the opportunities within the sector, while her additional honours and advisory roles reflect sustained impact beyond commercial success.