Chief executive, UK Border Agency
In a year of political and economic change, what was your highlight of 2010?
Receiving recognition from the Home Affairs Committee that the UKBA’s backlog of old asylum cases (450,000) is on course for conclusion by summer 2011. It’s been a mammoth task for staff who have had to sort out these old cases whilst at the same time improving the system for new cases. Removing the backlog and improving the system is both good for applicants, who in the past felt UKBA was a black hole when it came to communication; and for MPs, as this immigration work generates masses of correspondence – 50,000 letters last year.
What is the biggest opportunity that coalition policies have created for the civil service?
I think the coalition has presented us with an opportunity to produce creative and new thinking, and to do that with other partners. In our area there has been clear agreement in the coalition to end the detention of children and their parents, which has required a real cultural shift in the agency – and critical thinking from our partners too. After much hard work we think we have a credible and sustainable option.
What is the most challenging management task facing the civil service, and the key to success?
The biggest challenge is keeping motivation up as we downsize. Everybody – even senior managers – can feel vulnerable and uncertain if their own job feels unsafe. The way we handle business and workforce planning will be vital. We must take decisions early, communicate them as openly as we can and involve staff and unions in the debate, using their ideas. UKBA has downsized by 1,700 people this year without compulsory redundancies, but with up to 5,000 more jobs to go there is a lot of work ahead.
What was the best Christmas present that you’ve ever given or received? And the worst?
My best Christmas present (one I get every year) is Christmas with my family in the snow. We ski in Chamonix, and when they were small my three girls were a little line behind me. Now they’ve all grown into young women I don’t see them for dust; but fresh air, clear blue skies and good company is a great treat. The worst? Early in our marriage, my husband gave me an iron. He learnt quickly!
From January, Lin Homer will be the new Department for Transport permanent secretary