
why join?
Collective representation
The FDA stands up for managers and professionals in public service. As a member of the FDA, we will defend your professional interests and ensure your rights at work are protected.
Collective bargaining
Collective bargaining agreements in more than 100 employers allow us to engage directly with departments and negotiate on our members’ behalf on pay, pensions, redundancy, equality and other issues.

Your voice in the media
The FDA acts as a strong, pragmatic voice for civil servants across the media, speaking up to defend members when they are unable to do so themselves and shaping conversations about public service.
Defending impartiality
We believe civil service political impartiality is a vital part of effective governance in the UK. We speak out to defend the civil service against politicisation as well as unwarranted attacks on its impartiality and integrity.
The FDA led a long campaign to enshrine the civil service values of independence and impartiality in law, which culminated in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act of 2010.

Promoting civil service ethics
The FDA is a vocal advocate for strong ethics in the civil service and wider public sector, playing a key role in the original introduction of the Civil Service Code and subsequent modernisations.
Briefing politicians
We seek to influence public sector policy through our work with politicians and the government. FDA representatives regularly appear before select committees and submit evidence to enquiries and salary review bodies based upon the shared experience of our members.
Latest news
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Integrated Public Sector Pay and Workforce Policy ‘quietly hard-wires job losses into pay’ creating ‘permanent squeeze’ on staff, says FDA
FDA National Officer for Scotland Allan Sampson has responded to the Integrated Public Sector Pay and Workforce Policy, announced in the 2026 Scottish Budget.
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Penman challenges senior political figures on civil service reform at Institute for Government conference
During the Institute for Government’s annual conference, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman questioned speakers Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones MP, Secretary for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP, and Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride MP on key issues relating to civil service reform.
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FDA calls for rapid improvement following “unacceptable” pension administrator performance
Following the transfer of administration of the civil service pension scheme from MyCSP to Capita at the end of last year, the FDA continue to hear from hundreds of current and retired members who are continuing to be impacted by service levels.
Join the FDA today
By joining the FDA, you’ll be standing alongside more than 25,000 other members who believe that public services – and the people who deliver them – matter.