Abaseen Foundation CEO Helen Bingley Appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire by King Charles III
We are thrilled to announce that Helen Bingley OBE DL, Chief Executive of Abaseen Foundation, has been appointed as the High Sheriff of Lancashire by HM King Charles III. This historic role is a wonderful achievement for Helen, and reflects her lifelong commitment to public service.
The appointment of the High Sheriff dates back to the Middle Ages, with the reigning sovereign personally selecting the individual for the position on a yearly basis. Helen will be the second High Sheriff of Lancashire to be appointed by King Charles III, succeeding David Taylor CBE DL in April 2024.
Traditionally, the High Sheriff was responsible for overseeing matters related to the judiciary and maintaining law and order. However, in modern times, the role is ceremonial, focusing on protecting and upholding the dignity and wellbeing of HM judges, as well as supporting and encouraging Lancashire's third sector and Emergency Services. The role is voluntary and does not receive a salary or expenses.
Helen's appointment as High Sheriff is a testament to her outstanding contributions to public service – which were recognised with an OBE in 2019. Beginning her career as a nurse, Helen rose the ranks to assume roles as executive director, non-executive director and chief executive of several NHS Trusts in the North West, later working for NHS England as a principal managerial consultant.
Beyond her healthcare career, Helen has been deeply involved in Lancashire's voluntary sector, serving as Vice Chair of Mind in Furness and volunteering for organisations such as Amnesty International and the Children of Russia Project – for which she received an accolade from President Yeltsin in 1993.
Helen co-founded the Abaseen Foundation 25 years ago, with a mission to improve the lives and livelihoods of children and families in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Under Helen’s leadership, the charity has gone from strength to strength, achieving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2018.
Highlighting the charity sector across the county of Lancashire will be Helen’s premier concern during her year-long tenure as High Sheriff.
Helen said: "In 2020, more than 4,000 charities in Lancashire were registered with the Charity Commission and there are many more voluntary groups, social enterprises and faith groups that are not registered.
“Our society is dependent on these groups for so many things, and they provide their services often without recognition. My priority will be to visit as many voluntary groups as possible, to raise their profile and shine a light on what they do.”
Helen grew up in Lancashire in a working-class family. The message she wants to get across as High Sheriff is that Lancashire is a county of opportunity. She adds: "My motto is Carpe Diem – seize the day – and if you can seize the day, in Lancashire you too can aspire to become High Sheriff.
"I went from being an ordinary little girl in Lancaster, with ordinary parents, to being a senior manager in the NHS and charity sector, and now, High Sheriff of Lancashire.
"My beginnings were nothing special, yet I have achieved so much living here. I truly believe that I am not unique, that Lancashire is a place of opportunity for everyone, and I hope to inspire people across the county to aim high. My journey is evidence that anything is possible."
All of us at The Marketing Department offer our most heartfelt congratulations to Helen on her well-deserved appointment, and look forward to supporting her in her new role.
