Youth Charity CEO Appointed Youngest Royal Representative

UNDER EMBARGO 16TH JULY 2019 00:001

A young Greater Manchester charity founder has been appointed, with the Queen’s agreement, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Saeed Atcha, 22, from Bolton, became the youngest recipient of an MBE in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2019 New Year’s Honours List for services to young people and the community in Greater Manchester.

The new appointment means he will officially be the Queen’s representative at civic ceremonies and other functions around Greater Manchester assisting Lord-Lieutenant Warren Smith.

Saeed Atcha MBE DL said: “I’m really excited to take up this new role ultimately representing the Sovereign. To be the youngest person ever to be appointed is something I need some time to get my head around! I can’t wait to get out and about across the county supporting charities and assisting the Lord-Lieutenant in his duties.”

Saeed is the Chief Executive of Xplode Magazine which helps young people in Greater Manchester through volunteering, jobs and skills training. He founded the charity aged 15 to promote a positive image of young people after the fallout from the 2011 riots. He spent much of his teen years in and out of care and risking exclusion from school.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren Smith said: “As the Lord-Lieutenant of a young, exciting and diverse county, I’m keen for the Lieutenancy to be representative which is why I am very happy to welcome Saeed as a Deputy Lieutenant. This appointment also serves as recognition of Saeed’s dedication to public life supporting young people and the community in Greater Manchester. “

Due to their expertise and role within the community, Deputy Lieutenants are asked to provide support in areas including Honours Nominations, Assessments for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, suggesting names for Royal Garden Parties and representing the Sovereign at Citizenship Ceremonies.

The young Chief Executive will combine the role with his studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, his trusteeships at social action charities Young Manchester, Step Up to Serve and his role as Government Social Mobility Commissioner.

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Notes to Editors

The prime duty of those appointed is to uphold the dignity of the Crown, through the following functions: 

• Arranging visits by Members of The Royal family and escorting Royal visitors; 
• Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty (such as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise); 
• Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy; 
• Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces; 
• Leading the local magistracy by chairing the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace.
  
  

The office of Lord-Lieutenant is military in origin and can be traced back to the mid 16th Century.

The role is voluntary and serves as recognition of the work of the individual in their county.

Deputy Lieutenants undertake a wide range of duties and engagements including representing the Lord-Lieutenant and participating in Citizenship Ceremonies, attending remembrance services and parades, and helping to assess local organisations nominated for awards and honours.