Lord Lieutenant

Hertfordshire

Deputy Lieutenants

Deputy Lieutenants are commissioned by the Lord Lieutenant, subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State that the Queen approves of the appointment.

The function of a Deputy Lieutenant is to assist in the performance of any public duty performed by the Lord Lieutenant. The normal retirement age for Deputy Lieutenants is 75, after which they are included in a retired list, which is separate from the active establishment.

With the population of Hertfordshire at just over 1 million, the maximum establishment of Deputy Lieutenants is 57. This is entirely at the discretion of the Lord Lieutenant. However, the present number of Deputy Lieutenants on the active list stands at 40. This number allows greater opportunity for Deputy Lieutenants to act on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant. Every endeavour will be made to apportion duties to Deputy Lieutenants on an equitable basis.

For a list of Hertfordshire's Deputy Lieutenants, please click here

The qualifications for Deputy Lieutenants, as set out in the Lieutenancies Act, mean that a person may be appointed a Deputy Lieutenant if:

  1. He or she is shown to have rendered appropriate service - such service includes service as a member of, or in a civil capacity, in connection with the Armed Forces, or any other suitable form of public service; and
  2. He or she has a place of residence in, or within seven miles from the boundary of the County.

Deputy Lieutenants who leave the active establishment may be permitted by the Lord Lieutenant to remain on the Retired List and to retain the use of the letters DL. They will not usually be asked to carry out duties as Deputy Lieutenants, but will be invited to attend most events.

A Deputy Lieutenant is appointed as Vice Lord Lieutenant, and will stand in for the Lord Lieutenant when she is away from the County. The Vice Lord Lieutenant will stand down when the Lord Lieutenant, who made the appointment, relinquishes the post or retires, and a new one is appointed. This provides opportunity for change. A subsequent change of appointment may also be made at the discretion of the Lord Lieutenant.

Requests to Deputy Lieutenants to stand in for the Lord Lieutenant will come via Susan Wright. The Lord Lieutenant will try to balance geography and interests when inviting a Deputy to represent her.

When Deputy Lieutenants are asked to stand in for the Lord Lieutenant, they are representing HM The Queen. This will apply for most ceremonies and official events.

All areas and aspects of the County should be represented within the Lieutenancy; these being: Geographical, Social and Economic

(There is a specific dress uniform for the office of Deputy Lieutenant, and there may be occasions when it is appropriate to wear this uniform; but it is certainly not obligatory for a Deputy Lieutenant to obtain such a uniform. Retired officers of the Armed Services may use their former service uniform.)

The Role of a Deputy Lieutenant

  • At the appropriate time, suggesting an organisation to be included in the programme of a Royal Visit.
  • Arranging for a visit by the Lieutenancy (Lord Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant) to acknowledge the good work of an organisation.
  • Advising the Lord Lieutenant of individuals for consideration as potential Deputy Lieutenants.
  • Helping to celebrate and encourage volunteering within the community.

A complete list of Deputy Lieutenants can be found here.

If you have any queries, please select "Contact details" on the menu to the left.

 

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