HM Procurator-General, Treasury Solicitor and Head of the Government Legal Service, Treasury Solicitor's Department
What are you most proud of achieving during 2011?
I'll probably get thrown out of the legal profession for boasting about something which is anathema to most lawyers, but we've actually cut our fees for clients this year, and weíve done it on top of a price freeze for the four years before that.
We've done it - and will do more - with all sorts of innovative ways of working and (shock, horror) with a new IT system that came in bang on time and budget, that works so well itís delivering savings way beyond what was promised.
How has the shape and structure of the department changed during 2011?
My department has been the shared service provider of legal services to government since the 17th century, but we took a real step forward this year when we merged with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra's) legal team and created our new Employment Group - that's what lawyers call pace!
But seriously, these developments not only enhanced our capacity to deliver the best, most cost-effective legal services to government, but also show the real savings that can be delivered by combining a strong business ethic with public service values.
What is the most important thing the department must achieve during 2012?
This year, we convinced Defra that our shared service model gave them the right combination of value for money and professionalism; we did the same for Civil Service HR, and for all our other new employment law clients.
Let's see what more we can do to help in 2012 as other departments worry more and more about every last penny they spend. As a start, I'm appointing a new general commercial counsel for government. They'll be working with both me and the Cabinet Office to help the drive for better commercial procurement and spending.
How is the civil service likely to change during 2012?
I hope 2012 will see us all, in every part of every department, asserting with ever more confidence that the civil service is a truly great brand, highly professional and untainted by scandal, and one we are all truly proud to be part of.
Which historical, mythological or contemporary figure would you most like to join for Christmas dinner?
I'll be in Denmark where we will be joined by Nisse, the elf, who is kind and helpful all year round but who causes great mischief at Christmas unless plied with rice pudding with a pat of butter on top - sounds a bit like me!