Get involved
There has never been a more exciting time to become an FDA rep. We are one of the fastest growing trade unions in the UK, and more people than ever are signing up to support their colleagues and make their workplaces fairer and safer.
Members who want to get more involved in the union often decide to volunteer as a workplace representative (a rep).
The role of an FDA rep is wide and varied and can include:
There are also other specialist rep roles that you can undertake, including:
All rep and activist roles come with full training and support. If you are interested in becoming a rep, the FDA has development pathways and CPD resources available to support you in all of the above roles. The union offers a two-stage training programme to all new reps, held in-person (at FDA HQ in London) and online.
As well as guidance from fellow reps, you will also receive continuous support from our experienced FDA National Officers and organisers. A full description of FDA rep and activist roles is available here.
Zaine
Rep in FDA Fast Stream section
“It’s been fantastic to create a like minded community of individuals dedicated to creating a fairer working environment, supporting each other and getting better paying conditions.
Ross
Rep in FDA Northern Ireland section
Becoming a rep has helped me in my career with access to senior people to show them that FDA is a pragmatic union and comes with solutions rather than just problems.
Fiona
Rep in Procurator Fiscal Society section
Supporting individual members is really rewarding whether that is providing advice assistance and representation, perhaps all the way through to an employment tribunal claim. But sometimes it can just be providing a supportive and sympathetic ear.
FDA branch structure
All reps belong to their local branch. Branches are the body responsible for the recruitment of members in their workplace and for representing their views to management and the union’s Annual Delegate Conference. Not all reps have titled positions, but each branch usually has a:
Convenor
The branch convenor takes the chair at branch meetings and, with the secretary, is responsible for the conduct of branch business.The convenor will advise on when to hold meetings of all members and to ensure that regular contact is maintained between branch committee members. There is also a role in ensuring that no one branch officer is carrying too heavy a load.Secretary
The branch secretary is the first point of contact for members and FDA head office. Branch secretaries are responsible for organising the branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) and keeping minutes of meetings.Membership secretary
The role of membership secretary is crucial to the organisation of the branch. Two-way communication between the officer and head office is encouraged, to ensure all membership records are up to date.Branch Committee
Many branches have a small committee which meets every few months and acts as a sounding board for the Convenor and Secretary as well as providing practical support for members in the branch. This is often the first role a local rep will take up while they learn more about the FDA and the work of representatives.
Health and safety rep
Union health and safety representatives help promote a good safety culture and allow employees to raise issues that concern them. Most branches will have a health and safety rep
Learning rep
The role involves raising awareness about the value of learning, helping organise courses in the workplace and supporting and encouraging members to take part in learning.
Equality rep
Equality reps play a vital role in branches. You will work alongside other union reps and branch officers to promote equality, challenge discrimination and organise and recruit members within your workplace.
Naa Acquah and Chloé François-Oatway were awarded this year’s Individual Impact Awards at the FDA Annual Delegate Conference in recognition of their work to increase the visibility of the union during a time of organisational change.
As part of the union’s work to improve its local visibility, the FDA launched its Autumn organising roadshow at the Ministry of Justice building in Petty France, London.
The 2024 group Impact Award was presented to the Fast Stream section for their hard-fought campaign to secure a pay rise for members worth up to 22.5%
Contact our Organiser if you are interested in becoming more involved in your union, discover the different ways you can get involved
