FDA General Secretary Dave Penman used his speech to argue that civil servants are “hungry for reform” and called on the government to commit to “a clear plan for improved public services and a people plan to match” with a particular focus on pay
Journalist and broadcaster Lewis Goodall discussed the relationship between ministers and civil servants and the future of ‘mission-led government’ with delegates, predicting that the government’s appetite for experimentation may grow over time, having started out a year ago with a “pretty blank” plan.
Discussing the issue of civil service reform Gould told delegates: “The civil service is an amazing constitution, but it can get in the way. It’s deeply embedded and set up for a slower, less complex world, more hierarchical. Departments are far too siloed when all the challenges we face are deeply complex”.
An opportunity to join the fastest growing union in the UK.
This week, the FDA attended the 2026 TUC Congress in Brighton. FDA delegates spoke to and moved motions on a range of topics, including the review of the civil service, supporting effective management, accountability and safe contracting in the NHS, and the importance of an evidence-led approach to regulation.
Yesterday, FDA staff and reps attended the 2026 Fast Stream annual Base Camp, welcoming this year’s new joiners to the scheme and sharing the benefits of FDA membership with them.
