I’m almost at the end of my 35th week as High Sheriff of Essex. To keep track of my adventures I have put up a map of the county in my office. In addition to red dots on the map for where I have been on official duties, I also keep a few running totals.

The updated stats to date are that I have now clocked up 225 events, visited 78 charities, been to prison once, court eleven times, been to twenty-two Police events, five Fire Service visits, made 36 speeches and had eighteen dinners.

In the last month visits have included council visits, hearing about how they work with local police in community safety partnerships across Essex. The more time I spend with Essex Police the deeper my respect for them. In a world where negatives and soundbites travel fast it’s impossible to convey the depth of earnest effort and thought that is put into keeping us safe.

On Thursday I joined others to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Essex. Quietly, efficiently and planned to the second, Essex Police provided security – highlighting another point on the spectrum of policing.

My experience from business is that if you have a good team doing good work. Pay them fairly, give them the best equipment and support them. Reducing already pared-back budgets is folly.