Professor Gurch Randhawa, who is also Director of the University’s Institute for Health Research (IHR), will take up the position immediately and support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her functions as Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county.

He will continue his role at the University, which includes leading the IHR that generates evidence to further understand the factors that determine health and health behaviour within a multi-ethnic and multi-faith setting. Professor Randhawa’s work on developing culturally competent services has received extensive national and international recognition.

Professor Randhawa, who has served Bedfordshire within Higher Education and the NHS for over 20 years, said: “I am honoured to take up this prestigious role alongside my University projects. It is a tremendous privilege to become Deputy Lieutenant and I look forward to carrying out my duties.”

The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “The University is proud of Professor Randhawa’s appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant. This appointment reflects the strong civic partnership the University is committed to within Bedfordshire, which enables our staff to contribute policy and practice at local, national, and international level.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Helen Nellis, added: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Randhawa to join my existing group of high-calibre and public-spirited Deputy Lieutenants.”

Professor Randhawa will hold the appointment until he is 75 years old.

Duties of the Deputy Lieutenant include:

• Supporting and/or representing the Lord Lieutenant at engagements within the county;
• Supporting the Lord Lieutenant with arrangements for royal visits in the county;
• Participation in civic and social activity including encouragement of a wide range of voluntary and community activities in Bedfordshire;
• Liaison with local units of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, including Armed Forces events;
• Supporting the Lord Lieutenant at honours events and citizenship ceremonies;
• Submitting names for Royal Garden Party invitations and business visits.