Why join?
We have a network of high-profile providers who specialise in our key delivery areas: leadership and management, career development and support for job applications, wellbeing, and upskilling. We run more than 250 courses each year, both online and in-person.
Our offer is unique. We know that no other trade union has the variety and quality of courses and events that we have. Our courses are co-designed with the involvement of civil servants from every department across the whole of the UK.
All of our sessions are free for FDA members, with weekly updates on upcoming webinars included in our member email. FDA members also have access to a library of over 400 pre-recorded sessions through FDA On Demand.
Not yet an FDA member? Sign up for one of our upcoming sessions below to find out what FDA Learn can offer you.
Aspects of assessment in the civil service
Friday 6 November, 1pm – 3pm
This session will look at the current use of Civil Service Success Profiles, with the nuances and differences in different parts of the UK Civil Service (including Scottish Government) as well as the Competency Framework in Northern Ireland Civil Service. We will also look at the emerging focus on ‘values’ and ‘potential and how that is currently tested in parts of the civil service, and where that may be coming into changes to the current system.
Register>
Managing anxiety and wellbeing in neurodiverse workforces
Thursday 19 November, 11am – 12:30pm
This session provides actionable tools for managing workplace stress specifically tailored for neurodiverse individuals. We will explore methods for recognising the early signs of burnout, developing proactive wellbeing strategies, and fostering a workplace culture that prioritises the mental health of all neurotypes.
Leading with resilience
Friday 27 November, 11am – 12pm
Drawing on personal experience from a career as a senior police officer, this practical and reflective webinar explores the realities of maintaining personal resilience while managing operational pressure, difficult decisions, organisational change, scrutiny and responsibility for others.
It also examines the role leaders play in creating teams that can cope with uncertainty, learn from adversity and continue to perform effectively under pressure. The session will provide practical ideas for public-sector managers and leaders who want to strengthen their own resilience while creating healthier, more supportive and sustainable working environments for their teams.
Fast Stream member
Many thanks for the sessions on Behaviours and Strengths/leadership potential which helped me in successfully passing the ESA – your sessions really were invaluable in helping me through the process.
HMRC member
“I found the session super helpful, the provider was really clear and I definitely have a stronger understanding of how to respond to strength questions.
HEO member, Welsh Government
It has been a pleasure to see how a union should run to help members and encourage members to progress. It’s my pleasure to say thank you in joining the FDA.
I found your training courses absolutely invaluable in helping me to know what to expect at interview, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been successful without your assistance, so thank you!”
FDA Learn on Demand
FDA members also have access to our library of over 400 pre-recorded FDA Learn sessions through FDA Learn On Demand. These can be accessed in the members’ area of the FDA website.
Find out more >
Success Profiles
Our career development programme offers specialised masterclasses to assist civil servants in applying for new roles. Our courses are bespoke to the various recruitment processes that exist all over the UK and are run by specialist providers with many years of experience in this area.
Public Sector Development & Mentoring Scheme
The PSDMS is led by the FDA in partnership with civil service employers and partner universities working to support diversity in senior roles in the civil service. We offer advice, training and opportunities for mentoring. PSDMS is now one of the largest mentoring and training schemes in the UK civil service. Find out more here.
Members can view a full list of upcoming webinars via our member portal. Members can browse and register for any learning event that interests them.
Register now>
The Public Sector Development and Mentoring Scheme (PSDMS) is led by the FDA in partnership with civil service employers and partner universities working to support diversity in senior roles in the civil service. We offer advice, training and opportunities for mentoring. PSDMS is now one of the largest mentoring and training schemes in the UK civil service. Find out more here.
Shelley McComb
Former PSDMS mentee (TSP)
I would recommend anyone taking advantage of the sessions and help offered
Tania Njeri Wangari
Former PSDMS mentee
The FDA has been immensely supportive, providing a vital stepping stone toward my dream
FDA Learn can advise and support members on opportunities for further learning. Some higher education institutions offer discounts to union members. We also run a number of successful union learning fund projects in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where we can signpost to other funded courses. For more information contact fdalearn@fda.org.uk
The role of learning champions is to inform and support members in developing and achieving their goals, promote FDA Learn to colleagues in their workplace as well as signposting to wider learning an development opportunities. To become a Learning champion, or to find out more about FDA Learn, email FDA Head of Organising and Learning.
Together with Total Events (previoiusly Dods Events), the FDA hosts conferences to help underrepresented groups progress in their careers within the public sector. The Women into Leadership and Ethnic Minorities into Leadership conferences take place every year across the UK, and feature senior speakers, discussions and breakout sessions, all offering practical advice.
FDA members receive a significant discount for places at these events, details of which can be found on the Women into Leadership and Ethnic Minorities into Leadership websites.
