Sir Bob Kerslake
Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities and Local Government
How did you tackle the biggest challenges facing your organisation in 2014?
I set out my thoughts on the civil service in my speech to the Institute for Government in September. This has been well covered by many, including CSW. Suffice it to say that it was an honour to be their head. This piece is about the other half of my job, the Communities and Local Government Department.
CLG has in many ways exemplified the changes across the civil service.
We have had a big and ambitious agenda to support the delivery of more and better housing and the reform of local public services, including the Better Care and Troubled Families initiatives. At the same time the size of the department has fallen by a half.
Just for good measure, we changed our IT provider, moved our London Office from Eland House to share with the Home Office in Marsham Street, and implemented a major pay reform.
I am delighted to say that we have succeeded with flying colours. Our staff survey results this year show a strong improvement, with our score for leading and managing change – having risen by over 20 points since 2010 – now matching the best performers in Whitehall. A tribute to truly excellent leadership across the department.
What’s your favourite Christmas treat? And what makes you say: ‘Bah, humbug!’?
Christmas is a big deal in the Kerslake household. My favourite treat is a walk with the family in the Peak District, followed by a pint or two at the Norfolk Arms. My humbug moment is old films. Brilliant though it is, there are only so many times you can watch Robin of Loxley!