Ren Kapur MBE has been sworn in as 2026-27 High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire.  She takes over from the outgoing High Sheriff, Sean Taylor DL.

Ren’s year will be rooted in service to the County and focused on strengthening civic understanding and participation. Her themes will include raising the profile of the magistracy; championing charities working with young people, including those who are neurodiverse or at risk of becoming NEET; and building stronger connections between communities, business and public service for public good.

Ren intends to work closely with Berkshire Community Foundation to identify and spotlight organisations delivering the greatest impact across these priorities.

“I look forward to working closely with Berkshire Community Foundation throughout the year to spotlight the remarkable organisations and volunteers strengthening the fabric of our county, and to help connect good causes to the partnerships that enable them to flourish.”

Ren is a social entrepreneur, Visiting Professor and Army Reservist whose work focuses on opportunity and resilience through enterprise and education. In 2013, she founded X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), the UK’s leading organisation for enterprise and start-up skills within the wider Armed Forces community.

Ren has advised government bodies including the Home Office, Department for Business & Trade and the Cabinet Office, and has supported initiatives spanning equality of opportunity, women and girls, refugee integration, and reducing reoffending through practical skills and routes into work.

Ren was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours List for services to entrepreneurship, and in 2024 was appointed Visiting Professor at Anglia Ruskin University, leading on enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Across her career, Ren has worked nationally to strengthen social mobility, education and third sector collaboration; as High Sheriff, she will bring that experience closer to home in Berkshire, supporting local leaders and charities to deliver lasting benefit for communities across the Royal County of Berkshire.

Congratulations to Ren on her appointment. Berkshire Community Foundation looks forward to working with her throughout her Shrieval year.