Why choose the FDA?

The FDA is the fastest growing union in the UK. We have a great team led by an inclusive senior management team. Our team spirit is excellent, supportive, and valued across the organisation. You will be trusted and encouraged to flourish and grow in your role and within the wider FDA.

For over a century the FDA has been a strong, pragmatic trade union representing public sector leaders and professionals working in the civil service and parliaments across the UK. The FDA is not party-political and seeks to improve members’ working lives and the public services they deliver through negotiating and campaigning. We act as a powerful voice for public services and the people who deliver them, with an influential membership of more than 26,000 senior managers, policy advisors, diplomats, tax professionals, economists, solicitors, prosecutors and other professionals working across government and the NHS.

The FDA is committed to equality of opportunity and treatment both in the service it provides to its members and as an employer.

What we are looking for?

We seek someone who is excited to take on a challenging and varied role which requires you to think and lead strategically but also deliver operationally, working closely with our activists and their employers.

Finding candidates who align with the FDA’s values and approach to our work is important. We pride ourselves on providing excellence in individual member representation, a pragmatic voice in both central and local negotiations, a strong voice defending the impartiality, integrity and professionalism of civil servants, and providing career development and support for members and lay representatives.

Knowledge of employment and equality law is important, alongside a drive to support members and work with them to negotiate for better employment outcomes. Not just experience, but a track record of success, in at least one of the core aspects of the job is essential.

Your role

This is an important role for the FDA and you will be one of a group of National Officers. Each National Officer’s primary responsibilities are representation, negotiation, and organising in their allocated pitches, working closely with lay representatives. Each National Officer has a significant degree of autonomy within a balanced pitch made up of a number of employers and/or specialist areas. A more detailed summary of the key responsibilities of the role together with an outline of the knowledge, skills, and experience that we are seeking for this position are set out in the job description and person specification.

The package

The FDA offers a good package of terms and conditions including 31 days annual leave and a high quality defined benefit pension scheme. You’ll be part of the FDA’s team of National Officers, with the opportunity to enhance your skills and experience with tailored development and support. The National Officer salary range is £60k–72k – the starting salary will be dependent on experience. 

The office

The post is based at the FDA Head Office in London. You will have flexibility to organise your own diary and balance working in the office with working remotely too (home and member workplaces). The role will require attendance at HQ for team meetings and other face-to-face meetings and work with members, branches, and employers can be in a range of locations (but predominantly in London). The role does, on occasion, involve some travel throughout the UK. It’s not a desk job, but you will be trusted over how to organise your time, work, and location to be an effective National Officer.

To apply

Prior experience as a national trade union official is not essential, although all applicants will need to demonstrate a successful track record in at least one of bargaining, casework and organising, or their field of related expertise.

To apply, candidates should submit a CV together with a cover letter of no more than 750 words, outlining why your knowledge, skills, experience, and motivation make you the right person for the job. Submit your CV and cover letter by email, for the attention of Diana Carberry, to info@fda.org.uk. Please contact Diana if you wish to arrange a conversation about the role prior to applying.

Closing date for receipt of CV and cover letter is 5pm on Monday 18 May 2026.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 4 June 2026 at FDA’s office in London.