High Sheriff in Nomination for 2027/28
Gillian Sewell
Gillian is currently the CEO of YMCA Derbyshire, having held a variety of senior roles during her 32-year YMCA career.
She is passionate about working to ensure young people experiencing disadvantaged beginnings have opportunity to thrive and - locally within Derbyshire - she spearheaded and enabled the rebuild of YMCA Derbyshire’s London Rd, Derby Campus for young people who were homeless. She ensured that the accommodation was offered alongside education and employment opportunities. This led to the foundation of Key College - a vocational college for 14-25 years olds offering vocational based qualifications and alternative education.
In addition, she founded with key colleagues YKidz - an in-school and out of school wrap around childcare provider for Derby / Derbyshire families and schools - now in its 20th year which since Covid delivers holiday hunger programmes.
Presently, she is collaborating with key colleagues to support the build of 60 affordable self-contained flats known as Foundry Point for young people moving into employment and is the lead for YMCA Derbyshire's Social Mobility in action Business Plan.
Outside of work, she is a wife, mother, aunt and sister and since the loss of her son from cancer in 2020, she has been fundamental in the establishment of the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust. This grant awarding charity was setup to fulfil the wishes of Lewis to support young people entering the performing arts industry. It centres on the key values of Courage, Positivity and Resilience and helps to remove the financial barriers to those with talent who want to enter the performing arts.
In the intervening years, the Trust has worked with the West End to hold fund raising shows; first in London and then in Derbyshire; to provide the opportunity for young people to perform alongside stars of stage musicals.
High Sheriff in Nomination for 2028/29
Andrew Allsop
Andrew Allsop is the founder and joint Managing Director of Morley Hayes and a leading figure in Derbyshire’s hospitality and leisure sector.
Andrew was born in Derbyshire and raised in Smalley with a farming background; he was educated at Smalley Junior School and Heanor Gate Secondary School before joining the family plant hire and farming business
He and his brother Robert identified early on the potential to diversify their family land into a hospitality business and have transformed the family’s agricultural roots into one of the region’s leading independent hospitality destinations, combining golf, hospitality, fine dining, and community engagement.
Andrew’s leadership at Morley Hayes reflects his belief in combining business success with social responsibility. He is known for fostering partnerships that benefit both the local economy and wider society.
Andrew is a passionate ambassador for the county and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire, a role he has held since April 2019, promoting civic life and supporting charitable and voluntary organisations across the county.
Beyond his professional and ceremonial roles, Andrew is committed to preserving and celebrating Derbyshire’s natural and cultural heritage and ensuring the county remains a vibrant and supportive place for future generations.