Introduction
Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant at his discretion, subject only to His Majesty The King not disapproving of the granting of the commission. They come from all walks of life. Appointment to the office of Deputy Lieutenant, which carries the post nominal ‘DL’ is in recognition of distinguished service to the community, predominantly in a voluntary capacity, or to the country or county. The Lord-Lieutenant leads this influential network of Deputy Lieutenants and provides the organisation for their individual networks to interlock for the benefit of Somerset’s varied communities.
Although military in origin, the post no longer has any military significance, but every Deputy Lieutenant undertakes to assist the Lord-Lieutenant in the performance of any duties that may be laid upon him or her. This can include representing the Lord-Lieutenant at formal functions, award ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies or attending Remembrance Day services.
Their local and specialist knowledge and experience is increasingly being used to positive effect in key sectors ranging from education to youth services, and from business to the rural economy. They are the eyes and ears of the Lord-Lieutenant in our local communities and liaise closely with the local authorities with whom we have much common cause.
They advise on events potentially warranting Royal visits, on how local people can put forward others suitable for National Honours or for invitations to Royal Garden Parties, and on Anniversaries warranting a message from HM The King. They also advise on how community organisations can gain recognition, for example, with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This award recognises the vital role played by the thousands of unsung heroes of the voluntary and community world which we in the Lieutenancy believe it is important to celebrate and encourage. See links also to The King’s Awards for Enterprise
'Category' Leads
The Lord-Lieutenant has assigned certain DLs to lead on areas of focus and interest that cover the breadth of social and community enterprise across the county. These are:
| New Focus Group | Sub groups | Chair or Lead DL |
|---|---|---|
| New Focus GroupService | Sub groupsArmed Forces | Chair or Lead DLRichard Toomey |
| New Focus Group | Sub groupsLaw and Order | Chair or Lead DLThomas Sheppard |
| New Focus GroupCommunity and Wellbeing | Sub groupsBusiness | Chair or Lead DLAlex Priest |
| New Focus Group | Sub groupsCharity and Philanthropy | Chair or Lead DLLucy Nelson |
| New Focus Group | Sub groupsHealthcare | Chair or Lead DLColin Drummond |
| New Focus Group | Sub groupsYouth and Cadets | Chair or Lead DLPolly Marsh |
| New Focus Group | Sub groupsSport | Chair or Lead DLGiles Clarke |
| New Focus GroupEnvironment and Climate | Sub groups | Chair or Lead DLRobbie Drewett |
| New Focus GroupFaith | Sub groups | Chair or Lead DLJane Segdeman |
| New Focus GroupCulture and Heritage | Sub groups | Chair or Lead DLEdward Bayntun-Coward |
Meet our Deputies
The network of Deputy Lieutenants covers the ceremonial county of Somerset. Short biographies for each of them are below.