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Job Advert: Executive and Governance Officer

Responsible to: FDA Assistant General Secretary

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Salary range: £49,438 – 59,948

Pension: Good quality defined benefit career average pension scheme

Location:  This role is open to hybrid working, with an expectation of regular attendance at the FDA office in London.

Summary: We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive and Governance Officer. The post-holder will provide high-level support to the General Secretary, Executive Committee and senior management team of the FDA and will lead and develop a small administrative team who work across the organisation. This pivotal role includes working autonomously, engaging with senior external stakeholders and line management.

Why choose the FDA?

The FDA prides itself on being a great place to work with a strong, collaborative team, focussed on advancing the interests of our members and supporting each other to achieve that. We offer a highly competitive remuneration package that includes a good salary, defined benefit pension scheme and opportunities for training and development.

We are not just any union. For more than a century we have been defending civil servants and the impartiality of the civil service. We are the only union that represents civil servants in every Government and parliament of the UK. Strong, pragmatic advocates on behalf of our members, seeking to improve their working lives and play our part in improving the public services they deliver. We have always been non-party political, ensuring we can represent our members regardless of which party is in power.

That’s why through some of the most challenging times in our history, we have grown and continue to grow. To sustain that growth, we must continue to ensure we are relevant to the challenges our members face and visible in our advocacy on their behalf.

Does that sound like the sort of union you’d like to be part of?

Job description

Your role

This role is essential to the effective operation of the FDA. The post-holder will provide support for the work of the senior management team to deliver the union’s priorities, executive PA support, and will work closely with our governance structures, members and external stakeholders. You will also lead, develop and motivate a small team who provide administrative and other support across the union. We are looking for a highly organised and proactive individual who wants to contribute to the success of this growing union.

Key responsibilities:

Executive support

  • Provide support for the senior management team’s work including agenda planning, recording and tracking actions, and follow-up.
  • Provide executive support for the General Secretary including forward planning, diary management, inbox management, travel planning and booking, and meeting preparation.
  • Provide support for members of the senior management team (SMT) including diary management, travel booking and meeting preparation.
  • Liaise with internal colleagues and external stakeholders including members, senior government officials, other senior stakeholders and TUC colleagues.
  • Draft and format documents including agendas, minutes, briefings and presentations for internal and external use.
  • Plan and co-ordinate events such as all-staff meetings, including logistics and working with SMT on agenda planning.

Governance and events

  • Coordinate governance processes including scheduling Executive Committee and subcommittee meetings and away days, preparing agendas and papers, and recording actions.
  • Working with colleagues, support governance administration including rules, elections, and Annual Delegate Conference (ADC).
  • Prepare materials and organise logistics for ADC including venue booking, catering, collating motions and amendments and producing delegate packs.
  • Organise logistics for key events the FDA delivers or participates in through our affiliations, including TUC conferences and events. To include accommodation, delegate communications and documentation.
  • Work with colleagues to track and record delivery against the FDA’s business plan.

Office and administrative team management

  • Line manage a small administrative team providing support for the effective running of the union including supporting national officers, FDA Learn and member queries. Provide leadership and direction to the team, ensuring their work supports the effective operation of the union.
  • Contribute to the improvement of the FDA’s administration by designing, implementing and updating effective systems and processes.
  • Oversee key office operations and systems.


About you

We are looking for:

  • An enthusiastic, proactive and highly organised individual.
  • A relevant higher-level qualification, for example in business administration, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or PA supporting senior leaders.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
  • Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to high standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly developed IT skills and an aptitude for learning about new technology and using it to support effective working.
  • Experience in establishing, developing and maintaining effective administrative systems and processes.
  • Able to initiate and carry out work independently, making improvements and taking advice as appropriate.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement over sensitive matters.
  • Skills in interacting and building relationships with a wide range of people including members, senior internal and external stakeholders and contractors.
  • Team leadership and ability to work well across dispersed teams.
  • Experience in supporting formal meetings, committees and events.
  • An interest in UK current affairs, government and the civil service is desirable.


To apply

To apply, candidates should submit a curriculum vitae together with a cover letter of no more than 750 words, outlining why your skills, experience and motivation make you the right person for the job. Submit your CV and cover letter by email, for the attention of (FAO) Esther Farnese, to info@fda.org.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications (CV’s and cover letter) is: 7 December 2025.

Interviews will be held at the FDA’s head office in London Bridge on 16 December 2025.

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