His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire

Mrs Susan Lousada

Susan was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in September 2022, having previously been a Deputy Lieutenant for five years. Born and educated in Bedfordshire, she has lived all but four years of her life in the county. Married to Simon, a local businessman and entrepreneur, they have two children and two grandchildren.

Having taken a first degree in biochemistry and microbiology at Leeds University, Susan began her career at the University of Manchester in medical research. She then moved into the food industry working for an international food manufacturer and fast food provider.

In 1985 Simon and Susan started their own matting and washroom services company. They sold the company 20 years later to a national supplier of hygiene services, having built the business up to employ over 100 people and operating nationally over three sites.

Susan has chaired and been vice-chair of an Oxford Research Ethics Committee where she sat for over 10 years reviewing clinical trials within the NHS. Making good use of her business experience, Susan also sat for many years as a non-legal member in the 1st Tier Tax Tribunal.

Throughout her life, Susan has devoted much of her time to voluntary service with a particular focus on helping children and young people. During the first week of the Covid lockdowns in 2020 she was appointed as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and, whilst many of the usual activities at this time were curtailed, she spearheaded a campaign to tackle digital poverty within the county. With help and support from many local communities, businesses, trusts, charities and wonderful individuals, over 1800 devices were given to children across the county. Over the years, Susan has been a school governor, trustee of a multi academy trust, chairman of Bedfordshire NSPCC and has been involved with many charities and organisations throughout Bedfordshire.

Patronages

The Lord-Lieutenant is Patron of a number of charities who predominantly work in the Bedfordshire area and share the Lieutenancy’s vision. Please see below for more information.

Airfield Volunteer Fire Service Shuttleworth

The AVFS is a CAA-regulated rescue and firefighting service that provides the initial emergency response at the spectacular Shuttleworth Collection. Originating as a small fire crew in 1989, the AVFS was officially formed in 1994 and has developed into a professional and highly regarded volunteer rescue and firefighting service.

Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils

The Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils (BATPC) is an unaffiliated membership organisation which advises, supports and provides training and representation for Parish & Town Councils and Meetings in Bedfordshire. Members of BATPC are automatically members of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

Bedfordshire Committee of the Army Benevolent Fund

The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army's national charity, created to serve soldiers, past and present, and their families for life. The charity stands at the forefront of support for the Army family, awarding grants to individuals and families, and fund leading organisations that support soldiers, former soldiers, and their families.

Bedfordshire Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association

East Anglia RFCA is one of 13 individual Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations which cover the United Kingdom. The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations were formed in 1908, and until 1999 they were known as Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations (TAVRAs). Today, the RFCAs are central government bodies set up by statute with Crown status.

BLCF

The Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation's work is vital for transforming communities across Bedfordshire and Luton, whether it be addressing food, fuel and digital poverty, mental health and inequality or combating isolation. The charity has been serving the community for over 20 years.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) is the leading community development agency working across Bedfordshire, with a track record built over 70 years. The charity supports and delivers a wide range of rural development and community projects.

Country Days

Country Days is an educational charity providing outdoor learning in a beautiful nature reserve for primary school children in years 3 -6 who live in Bedfordshire.

Friends For Life

Friends for Life is a charity providing a befriending service to lonely, socially isolated older people in Bedford's care homes. Founded in 2007, the charity has grown from small beginnings to a charity with around 70 volunteers, supporting 30 care homes.

The volunteers offer friendship and company to care home residents who have few or no family or friends to visit.

Swaziland Schools Project

A small UK based charity which supports the eduction of children and young adults in eSwatini. the charity supports the academic and vocational eduction of children and young adults by paying bursaries for school fees, providing buildings such as classrooms, toilet blocks, kitchens and teachers houses, providing food for lunch as well as equipment such as books and furniture for the classroom.