With the end of 2017 fast approaching, we asked the UK's top civil servants to look back at the year, outline their goals for 2018 – and tell us what they cannot do Christmas without.
What are you most proud of achieving in 2017?
Without question, being appointed head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service was my proudest achievement this year. I’m just sorry my dad, himself a civil servant, didn’t live to see it.
What was your most difficult decision in 2017?
Closing all schools in Northern Ireland in advance of Storm Ophelia on Monday 16 October. I was in London the day before preparing to represent Northern Ireland at a Brexit Joint Ministerial Committee meeting. The storm was forecast to reach southern Ireland on the Monday morning, tracking northwards through the day bringing average winds of over 60mph with gusts in excess of 100mph. I was in touch with our civil contingency coordinators during Sunday and we were confident all services were prepared. However at 8.52pm I was advised by the Taoiseach’s Office in Dublin that the Irish Government had escalated the storm threat and decided to close all schools.
I quickly decided after consultation with colleagues in our Education Department that we had little choice other than to follow suit even though our weather forecasts left some doubt over whether this was really necessary. In the absence of the NI Executive I quickly consulted the five local party leaders and spoke to the secretary of state along with a range of other key stakeholders. All agreed closure was prudent. We announced the closure of schools by social media at 10.15pm and followed this up with further communications.
We were criticised for the lateness of the announcement with many parents complaining they had little time to make childcare arrangements. Nonetheless I was satisfied we had acted expeditiously. And my daughter assures me I have a legion of new fans of school age on Facebook.
What are your top priorities in the year ahead?
Our top priority is the early resumption of devolved government. Life without ministers may seem a civil servant’s dream, but after more than 300 days without a functioning executive I can assure you it is not!
For you, no Christmas is complete without…
A long walk with my wife Lynda and our dog on Boxing Day, preferably in the Mournes. Christmas Day is always a wonderful, joyous occasion but it is hard to beat clearing the head on a cold, crisp morning with a good hike in the knowledge that a relaxing week with family and friends lies ahead.