ROY TAYLOR is president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, and is director of community services in Kingston upon Thames. He is a member of the NHS 50 steering group and the ministerial taskforce on children in public care, and is leading the ADSS work on Our Healthier Nation.
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
Have a coffee and speed-read The Guardian - 7.30am - then it's 'on with the show'.
What do you like/dislike about your job?
I like having the chance to shape things and to cut through bureaucracy.
I dislike having to pretend to be as alert at midnight as I was at 7am.
What do your colleagues think of you?
They elected me to be president of the Association of Directors of Social Services - which still knocks me out.
What is your proudest achievement?
Helping to bring in direct payments legislation, which enables councils to give cash to disabled people to buy their own community care.
What is your tip for success?
Work really hard - and then some.
What has been your worst business mistake?
Trusting duff management information.
What do you do to relax?
Cycle, play tennis, play the guitar, and let my children take me over.
What book has influenced you?
London A-Z , it's a constant challenge to search square F2 and still not find the street I'm looking for.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a Wimbledon champion, Tour de France winner, capable ADSS president, good husband and dad, and brilliant lover - four out of these will do.
Which person in the NHS do you most admire?
Many people, but I'd like to pay tribute to all those who keep the NHS going despite the constant change.
What would make the single biggest improvement to the NHS?
A time to stand still and consolidate for a little while.
Who is your ideal health secretary?
Sir Edwin Chadwick - public health gains have longer-term effects.
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