The Sheriff of Nottingham

Cllr Audrey Dinnall – Sheriff of Nottingham 2026/7

Councillor Audrey Dinnall has proudly represented the Leen Valley Ward since 2019. Born and raised in Nottingham, she attended Bigwood School Comprehensive school and has deep roots in the city she continues to serve. Audrey is a mother of two and a proud grandmother of four, and her personal and professional life has always been centred on supporting others and giving back to her community.

She holds a BA (Hons) in Criminology and currently works as a Victim Liaison Officer within the criminal justice system. Audrey has over 30 years’ experience with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), having worked across the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, Prison and police stations. She is particularly proud of her work supporting victims and families affected by the most serious crimes across Nottinghamshire, and she remains deeply committed to reducing crime and ensuring victims’ voices are heard both during and long after the justice process.

Councillor Dinnall is committed to fairness and equality is rooted in more than two decades of trade union activism. A proud UNISON member, steward, and activist, she has held key roles including Branch Chair, Education Coordinator, Disability Officer, Chair of the Regional Black Members Committee, and East Midlands Regional Labour Link Vice Chair. Her trade union work played a significant role in her decision to become a councillor, reflecting her belief in standing up for working people and marginalised communities.

From 2019 to 2025, Audrey served on the Nottingham City Foster and Adoption Panel, where she highlighted the under representation of Black and Asian foster carers and consistently advocated for targeted community engagement. She has also been a strong voice for the Windrush Generation and their families, speaking at Full Council on issues including the hostile environment and the cost-of-living crisis.

In May 2022, Councillor Dinnall made history as the first Black person to be elected Chair of Nottingham City Council’s Licensing Committee, a role that has traditionally been male dominated a role she held until May 2025. She oversaw the Council’s Licensing Policy, ensured compliance with national legislation, and chaired Licensing Panels dealing with complex applications. She was also the Chair of the Regulatory and Appeals Committee, overseeing key regulatory functions including taxi licensing and safety certificates for sports venues. Councillor has been particularly passionate about supporting women into employment.  She was instrumental in initiating the first joint working meetings between DG Taxis, Nottingham City Council, and Think Pink Charity in 2024 helping to break down barriers and support women into employment. Councillor Dinnall is proud to see Think Pink taxi drivers now signed up and fully licensed with Nottingham City Council. Councillor Dinnall is a proud Ambassador for Think Pink, reflecting her commitment to equality and supporting women into the workforce.

Councillor Dinnall is a School Governor at Robert Shaw Primary School and supported the school through its Ofsted inspection, contributing to a “Good” rating in 2021. As a ward councillor, she focuses on everyday issues affecting residents, including hate crime, anti-social behaviour, housing, environmental issues, planning, parking, and community safety. She actively supports local and community led organisations and businesses, working closely with Melbourne Park Education FC CIC and supporting FUEL in securing the YMCA building for their first community centre in Leen Valley. She was also proud to be involved in the opening of Beechdale Retail Park, including Lidl and Mother Hubbard.

Audrey enjoys cycling, which she believes supports environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprint and emissions, and she regularly takes part in litter picking activities within her ward. During Covid she delivered food Parcels to the elderly and vulnerable to ensure they had a meal.

Above all, Councillor Audrey Dinnall remains committed to serving her community. She is very proud and looking forward to taking up the ceremonial role of Sheriff of Nottingham for 2026–2027.

Role

• To promote Nottingham as a destination for visitors for short breaks, conferences, business and shopping.
• To encourage local residents to use and take part in cultural/ leisure activities opportunities in the city and county.

Key Tasks

• To support the tourism strategy for the city and county by promoting Nottingham as a destination for visitors for short breaks, conferences, business and shopping
• To welcome tourists and visitors to the city at various events, including conferences and entertainment/hospitality venues
• To encourage local residents to use and take part in cultural/ leisure activities opportunities in the city.
• Opening new retail, entertainment or visitor attractions in the city 

More Information

For more information please contact the Civic Office