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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Education Minister Paul Givan must provide clarity over Israel visit – FDA NI National Officer Robert Murtagh
The FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has called on Minister of Education Paul Givan to urgently clarify the use of departmental resources for a recent trip to Israel.
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No.10 briefings against Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald “stink of political cowardice”, Penman says
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman has condemned briefings from No.10 sources that Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald had lost the confidence of senior figures in Downing Street and would likely be replaced by January next year.
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FDA’s inaugural Insights into Public Service Leadership conference takes place in Belfast
The FDA Northern Ireland section held the inaugural ‘Insights into Public Service Leadership’ half-day conference and networking on Thursday 16 October 2025 for members and non-members in NI.
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.