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 declaration marks the beginning of Carmen’s tenure as one of the oldest secular offices in the United Kingdom, representing the Crown’s interests in relation to the administration of justice across the county.

Carmen Watson, from Wolverhampton, 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.

Pertemps has grown into a national organisation employing thousands of people and placing tens of thousands into work each year, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, workforce development and community impact.

In addition to her business leadership, Carmen has long been active in civic and charitable roles across the region. She has served as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands since 2023 and has held advisory and leadership positions supporting skills development, equality of opportunity and regional economic growth.

She is also known for her advocacy of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and for her contributions to education, skills and community development initiatives across the West Midlands.

Carmen 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.”