The Office of Lord-Lieutenant dates back to 1545, when it was established by King Henry VIII.
Today, almost 500 years later, the Lord-Lieutenant remains His Majesty The King’s personal representative in the county. The role holder represents The King throughout Dorset, organises and supports Royal Visits, present honours and awards on behalf of His Majesty, encourages voluntary service, supports our Armed Forces community, recognises excellence in all walks of life and strengthens the relationship between the Crown and the people of Dorset.
Michael Dooley is the Lord-Lieutenant for Dorset and says: "As His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, it is both a great honour and a personal privilege to serve the people of Dorset. Since my appointment in September 2024, I have sought to carry out this historic role with dedication, humility, and a deep respect for our county’s traditions, communities, and future. At the heart of my approach is a belief in harmony – between people and places, between past and present, and between society and the natural world. Dorset, with its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and strong community spirit, offers countless examples of this harmony in action. I see my role as helping to foster and celebrate that spirit wherever it flourishes."
Michael firmly believes that parish and town councils have a unique role to play in achieving that vision. He looks forward to working with local councils over the coming years and providing guidance and support to individuals and councils seeking recognition for exceptional service and achievements. Some of the honour and awards the Lieutenancy is inolved with are outlined below.
National Honours
Twice each year His Majesty recognises outstanding individuals through honours such as the MBE, OBE and CBE. Many deserving people never receive recognition simply because nobody nominates them. If you know someone who has made an exceptional contribution to your community, please encourage them to consider a nomination. The Lieutenacy Office is always pleased to discuss potential candidates and provide advice throughout the nomination process.
Further information: www.gov.uk/honours
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Often described as the “MBE for volunteer groups”, this is the highest national award given to local voluntary organisations. Dorset has an exceptional voluntary sector and the Lieutenacy Office is always delighted to discuss possible nominations.
Further information: www.kavs.dcms.gov.uk
The King’s Awards for Enterprise
These prestigious awards recognise businesses demonstrating excellence in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. If you know an outstanding Dorset business, please encourage them to consider applying or contacting the Lieutenacy Office for advice.
Further information: www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
Royal Garden Parties
Each year I have the privilege of nominating Dorset residents to attend Royal Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyrood house. These invitations recognise exceptional voluntary and public service. Parish and town councils are ideally placed to identify those unsung heroes who deserve this unique honour.
Please contact the Lieutenancy Office to discuss a nomination (please note: these nominations are separate to the nominations sought by DAPTC to attend Royal Garden Parties).
The Queen’s Reading Room Medal
Reading has the power to change lives. If you know an individual, school, library or community organisation promoting reading and literacy in an exceptional way, the Lieutenacy Office would be delighted to hear from you.
Further information: www.thequeensreadingroom.co.uk
Royal Warrants
Many Dorset businesses produce goods and services of exceptional quality. Businesses with an established relationship with the Royal Household may be eligible to apply for a Royal Warrant.
The Lieutenacy Office is always pleased to signpost businesses towards the appropriate guidance.
Further information: www.royalwarrant.org
The Lord-Lieutenant is also active in the community in a number of ways:
Supporting Our Armed Forces Community
Supporting serving personnel, veterans, cadets and Reservists is one of the most important responsibilities of the Lieutenancy. The office actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage councils, businesses and organisations to demonstrate their commitment to those who serve our country and is also pleased to advise employers wishing to support Reservists through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Further information: www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk and www.wessex-rfca.org.uk
Royal Visits
The Lieutenancy is responsible for organising Royal Visits throughout Dorset. If your council is aware of an outstanding community project, important anniversary, innovative business, charity, school, healthcare initiative, emergency service project or other activity that reflects the interests of the Royal Family, the Lieutenacy Office would be delighted to discuss whether it may be suitable for a future Royal Visit.
Remembrance and Civic Events
One of the greatest privileges of of the Lord-Lieutenant role is supporting Remembrance across Dorset. Michael is always delighted to hear of plans for Remembrance events and thanks councils for all they do to ensure that we continue to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our country. If your council is organising a Remembrance Sunday Service or another significant civic occasion, either the Lord-Lieutenant or one of the Deputy Lieutenants may be available to attend, subject to existing commitments. Please contact the Lieutenacy Office as early as possible.
Visiting Your Community
One of the greatest pleasures of being Lord-Lieutenant is visiting communities throughout Dorset. Michael would be delighted to visit your town or parish council, meet councillors, local schools, colleges, businesses, charities, NHS staff, emergency service personnel, volunteers, faith groups and community organisations, and hear more about the wonderful work taking place within your community. These visits provide an excellent opportunity to discuss honours, awards, volunteering, support for our Armed Forces and, above all, how together we can continue building a Dorset recognised for harmony.
Contact the Lieutenancy Office
Telephone: 01305 224194
Email:
Website: www.dorsetlieutenancy.org.uk
