Permanent Secretary, Number 10
On 1 January, Jeremy Heywood will become the cabinet secretary
What are you most proud of achieving in 2011?
This has been the first full year of the coalition government, and I was hugely proud to hear the prime minister outline what he sees as the key successes of the civil service over this period at the recent Top 200 event: our integrity and professionalism; our ability to deliver important machinery of government changes such as the creation of the National Security Council; and our tenacity in driving out efficiencies and reducing costs. These strengths have been demonstrated time and again this year – perhaps most notably over Libya, our response to the riots in the summer, and our relative economic stability in the face of eurozone turmoil.
How has the shape and structure of the department changed during 2011?
The biggest change to the shape and structure of No 10 came in February with the creation of the Policy and Implementation Unit – a team providing advice to the prime minister and deputy prime minister on strategy, policy and implementation. We have continued to strengthen links between No 10 and the wider Cabinet Office, most visibly through the merger of our press and comms teams. In some ways, though, the lack of change at No 10 has been the most notable feature; until very recently, for example, there had been no personnel changes in the prime minister’s private office since before the election – and this is a testament to the skills, values and professionalism of the civil service.
What is the most important thing the department must achieve during 2012?
Supporting the prime minister and deputy prime minister to deliver their priorities will always be the most important task for the Cabinet Office. Priorities for 2012 will be to continue to boost the potential for economic growth, manage ongoing instability in the eurozone, and ensure that the policies and programmes that have been announced by the government are implemented effectively and energetically, and are making a real difference on the ground. And, of course, we will all want to ensure that the Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games make 2012 a year to remember.
How is the civil service likely to change during 2012?
As you all know, the leadership of the civil service will change in January, when I become cabinet secretary and Sir Bob Kerslake takes up the new role of head of the civil service. You will hear more from us early next year about how the civil service will change in response to the major challenges that lie ahead in 2012 and beyond. As well as continuing to become more efficient, we will need to continue to respond to the coalition government’s approach to developing and implementing policy, which means moving away from top-down targets, and embracing techniques such as ‘nudge’, transparency and innovative funding models such as payment by results.
Which historical, mythological or contemporary figure would you most like to join for Christmas dinner?
Christmas dinner is firmly a family occasion and a chance – barring a crisis! – to spend some time relaxing away from the office. I would want to invite a guest who would be entertaining and thought-provoking for all of us – perhaps Jonathan Swift or Jane Austen – or even (if my eldest son had a vote) James Bond!