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?
The prison system in England and Wales remains under strain, but I am very proud of the staff in our prisons who have worked so hard in difficult conditions throughout the year.
I am also pleased that we are successfully recruiting and training new colleagues to work alongside them. The recruitment campaign, and the extra support that it will enable staff to offer offenders, will help to make prisons safer.
What was your most difficult decision in 2017?
We had some great conversations judging the Civil Service Awards – an almost overwhelming degree of choice, with superb nominations in every field. So, some difficult but pleasant decisions.
What are your department’s top priorities in the year ahead?
Continuing the wide-ranging reform of our courts and tribunals, so justice becomes easier to access. Working across government on tangible things we can all do to reduce the chance of someone reoffending. Making a reality of the Lammy recommendations into ethnic minority experiences in the criminal justice system.
For you, no Christmas holiday is complete without…
Fitting long walks into short days. And cabaret.