MIKE FOGDEN is chair of the National Blood Authority. He was previously chief executive of the employment service. He began his civil service career in 1958 at the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, which became the Department of Health and Social Security, after national service in the RAF.

What is the highlight of your working week?

Arriving at Watford, where the National Blood Authority office is.

What single thing would improve your job?

Less paper.

What is your ideal job?

Being in charge.

Describe Frank Dobson in three words.

Avuncular, bullish, committed.

Can we afford the NHS?

Of course.

What is your favourite place in the world, and why?

The garden. I can see what I have done.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

My age .

Is there a god?

Only at funerals.