A former High Sheriff of Kent has joined the board of law firm Cripps as a non-executive director.

Lord Colgrain, who lives on his family farm near Sevenoaks, has 30 years’ experience in human resource issues and serves as a director on the boards of a range of businesses.

He has run his own City-based executive search company specialising in the financial sector for the past 12 years.

Other interests include being chairman of the trustees of Belmont House and Belnor Farms, near Faversham, and acting as a trustee of Rochester Cathedral.

Cripps senior partner Michael Stevens said: “His extensive commercial expertise and knowledge of Kent and the City will add a great of deal of value to the workings of the board and how we run the business.

“Coming from a non-legal background, Alastair will have the ability to bring fresh insights and ask challenging questions that will be of great assistance in shaping Cripps’ future strategy.”

Lord Colgrain added: “I have known Cripps for a number of years and have a great deal of respect for the staff I have met and the firm’s commitment to recruiting, developing and retaining top class lawyers.

"There is a clear determination to grow what is already a leading regional law firm and develop the services offered to clients.

“As well as acting as a sounding board, I hope the knowledge I have gained over the last 30 years in HR, employment and personnel issues will prove useful, in addition to my experience in areas such as asset management, residential property and the land sector.”

Cripps has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill, Discovery Park in Sandwich and London.