About the FDA

We are a professional association and union for the UK's senior public servants and professionals. We act as a powerful voice for public services and the people who deliver them.

Our growing and influential membership of more than 18,000 senior managers, government policy advisors, diplomats, tax professionals, economists, solicitors, prosecutors and other professionals work across government and the NHS.

We recognise that public services will continue to change.  We work in partnership with employers and members to help implement that change, and improve workplaces and working lives.

We believe in engaging with employers - not working against them.  We help to identify and help address concerns before they become real problems. We think solutions are best reached through dialogue and clear consideration of the issues rather than tactical posturing. 

As a professional association, we promote and protect our members' interests. We influence policy on their behalf, and provide networking opportunities and forums for considering matters of common interest. 

We also help members develop their professionalism and skills. We have programmes to help members achieve their potential in the Professional Skills in Government programme and help them to further their careers. 

We defend the reputations of our members by acting as their voice in the media, with ministers and the HR profession - an important role as civil servants are usually not permitted to defend themselves publicly.

As a public sector union, we strive to improve members' terms and conditions, workplaces, skills and working lives.  

We are affiliated to the Trades Union Congress, but are strictly politically neutral and have no formal links with any political party.

What does the FDA believe in?

Where does the name 'FDA' come from?