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THE MERSEYSIDE LIEUTENANCY AND THE QUEEN ’ S AWARDS
BY MARK BLUNDELL , H . M . LORD-LIEUTENANT OF MERSEYSIDE
Each county in the United Kingdom has a Lord- Lieutenant appointed by the Queen to represent her . I am honoured to hold that role in Merseyside which has had a Lord-Lieutenant since its creation as a county in 1974 .
The Queen and the royal family work to foster a spirit of co-operation and good atmosphere throughout the nation and the Lord Lieutenants follow this lead in their counties through the time they give to voluntary and benevolent organisations and the interest they take in business and social life .
My activities include : arranging visits to Merseyside by members of the royal family ; representing the Queen as Head of the Armed Forces with local units of the Navy , Army and Airforce ; attending civic events , including church services of all denominations but especially the Church of England of which the Queen is of course the head ; supporting the voluntary sector and acting as patron or president of local charities ; advising on nominations for national honours ; presenting medals and awards on behalf of the sovereign ; promoting the Queen ’ s Awards for Voluntary Service ( QAVS ) and the Queen ’ s Award for Enterprise ( QAE ). I seek to make links throughout the county and connect people with others of similar interests .
In doing this work I am assisted by a busy office headed by my indefatigable Clerk , a hugely supportive Vice- Lord-Lieutenant and some forty Deputy Lieutenants , distinguished people from every part of the county , who can represent the Lord-Lieutenant on appropriate occasions . They are the eyes and ears of the Lieutenancy enabling us to be well informed about what is going on . Many of them help enthusiastically with the many tasks which fall to the
Lieutenancy . The QAVS is the equivalent of an MBE for a voluntary organisation . Like other counties , Merseyside has many such organisations who for the most part get on quietly with their work for the community . But they do vital work without which our society would be so much the poorer . This royal award recognises exceptional volunteerled organisations . I know from experience how much the award is appreciated . In pre-covid days there was usually a good party when I make the presentation ! Let us hope those days will come again soon .
The QAE is a national award for businesses which excel in one of four fields : International Trade , Innovation , Sustainable Development , and Promoting Opportunity . Many businesses are not aware of this award , which is highly prized by those who win it . It is not just an honour . It can have financial benefits though enhanced profile and recognition . As with the QAVS , I know from visiting businesses who have won the award , which I present on behalf Her Majesty , how much it is appreciated . And , covid permitting , there is a special reception at Buckingham Palace just for winners of the award .
I believe there are many organisations in Merseyside which are eligible for these Awards but who do not know about them .
Details are available online , https :// qavs . culture . gov . uk and https :// www . gov . uk / queens-awards-for-enterprise
We would love your help in promoting them and to hear about potential candidates . Please contact the Clerk to the Lieutenancy Sean McEvoy at msl . clerk @ lieutenancy . info or telephone 0151 363 9528 .
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