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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“New low” for government’s relationship with civil service – FDA responds following departure of Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald
The FDA has responded to the announcement that Sir Chris Wormald has departed the role of Cabinet Secretary, with FDA General Secretary Dave Penman describing it as a “new low” for the government’s relationship with the civil service.
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“Farcical” to wait until 2030 to make decision on restoration and renewal of parliament, says FDA
The FDA has responded to the latest publication of UK Parliament’s Restoration and Renewal Board, ‘Delivering restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster: the costed proposals.’
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FDA General Secretary Election 2026
Our General Secretary, Dave Penman, was last elected General Secretary on 6 September 2021. Section 46 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 sets down the duty for Trade Unions to hold elections for certain positions every five years. One of these positions is General Secretary.
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.