ABOUT

The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon is His Majesty’s personal representative in the County, who is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

This role is non-political and unpaid and he or she is supported by a Vice Lord Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants appointed for their work in the County in a number of different fields. Administrative support is provided by the Clerk to the Lieutenancy which in most counties is the Chief Executive of the Local Authority.

The Lord-Lieutenant and his Lieutenancy team not only represent and uphold the dignity of the Crown and arrange Royal visits to the County, but it also celebrates the achievements of the people of Devon and their service to others.

The Lieutenancy helps to promote Devon communities, culture, services, heritage, business and charitable success while drawing attention to those addressing challenges and problems in the County. It also has a role in supporting the three Services and, in particular, the Reserve forces and cadets.

NOTE: The Lieutenancy cannot be involved in political matters or local arguments and controversies.

In addition to the above, the Lord-Lieutenant is asked to comment on the validity of nominations for honours and submits lists of names of those he recommends for invitations to His Majesty’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace.

The Lord-Lieutenant is also expected to promote a good atmosphere and spirit of co-operation by the encouragement he gives to voluntary service and benevolent organisations, and by the interest he takes in the business and social life of his county. He is also encouraged to take an interest in local projects funded from the National Lottery and should consider lending support to those which he feels to be of particular importance.

HM LORD-LIEUTENANT OF DEVON

DAVID FURSDON

David Fursdon and his family have lived in Devon for 44 years continuing a very long family tradition of living in the County. He is married with 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

He was commissioned into the 6th Gurkha Rifles, serving in Brunei and Hong Kong, before winning a Scholarship to Oxford where he won two cricket blues. He then joined the fast stream entry to the Civil Service, working in Arms Control in the MOD and on a UK delegation at a UN Conference in Geneva. Transferring to Devon he taught at Blundell’s school in Tiverton where he was subsequently to Chair the Governors for 10 years. After further education at the Royal Agricultural University, where he is now an honorary Fellow, he then became a rural surveyor and has worked in agriculture and rural property across Devon and elsewhere for over 30 years. He currently chairs the Board of a progressive farming company that uses technology to try to improve sustainability.