With the end of 2016 fast approaching, we asked the UK's top officials to look back at the year, outline their goals for 2017 – and shed some light on their festive favourites. Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, takes part in our annual perm secs round-up...
What was your highlight of 2016?
A major highlight is the childhood obesity plan and the fact that it is owned by HM Government rather than one department. Whilst it is not the end of the debate about how we tackle childhood obesity, it is a very significant step forward and contains two world-leading measures: the sugar levy, and a programme to take 20% of sugar out of the food groups most consumed by children. The sugar reformulation programme will be led by PHE with the ambition of removing 5% in 2017 and 20% by 2020. The levy is already resulting in significant shifts from major manufacturers and retailers. Tesco, for example, have committed to all their own-brand sugary drinks being below the sugar threshold for levy purposes.
What has been the most significant change in your organisation this year?
The biggest change has been preparing for our move to a new £400m campus in Harlow, Essex – within the Cambridge corridor. The advent of genome technology and big data has led to a reframing of how we tackle infectious diseases, and the opportunities to bring this expertise together with behavioural insights and the wider social sciences. Our scientific laboratories in Porton Down and Colindale, plus our London HQ, will be moving to Harlow. From here we will be fully embedded in academia while retaining strong links to the NHS and local and national government.
What will be the biggest challenge of 2017 – and how are you preparing to meet it?
Wealth and health are inseparable. Next year we will continue to work across government and with the public to address the wider determinants of health – such as having a warm and safe home and a good and fulfilling job. Meeting this challenge is crucial to ensure that everyone has the best possible chance of living a healthier life for longer. And not forgetting a continued focus on tobacco control: smoking today still accounts for half of the difference in healthy life expectancy between the poorest people and the most affluent.
What was the best Christmas present you’ve ever received or given? And the worst?
The best Christmas present is always the love of my family – their presence is worth far more than presents. People sometimes say socks are the worst gift but I’m getting to an age now where socks are always welcome.
More: Perm secs round-up 2016 – Britain's top civil servants review the year and look ahead to 2017