Advice & support
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The FDA believes that public services should represent the people they serve. We are dedicated to promoting equality for all and to fighting all forms of discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. The ability to live and work without prejudice is a fundamental right, regardless of your background, identity and experiences. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is integral to the work of the FDA.
The FDA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, 2024-26 sets out how the union is focused on improving our members’ working lives, for fairness and equality in the workplace and beyond.
Our work on EDI
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-committee
The FDA’s work on equality is co-ordinated by our Executive Committee’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-committee (EDIC). The committee meets four times a year to discuss union policy and work on equality issues.
Professional development
We’re proud to host a number of events in partnership with Dods, including Ethnic Minorities into Leadership and Women into Leadership. Held across the country, these conferences feature speeches, workshops and networking opportunities, designed to equip delegates with the tools they need to progress their careers. Members benefit from greatly discounted tickets to these events.
You can find guidance for reps and members on equalities topics in the members’ portal. Log in to find guidance including advice on workplace adjustments, the menopause and becoming an equality rep in your workplace.
Latest news in EDI
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Carers Week 2025 – launching our Carers’ Survey
To mark Carers Week 2025 (9-15 June), the FDA is launching a survey of carers in the civil service to find out what progress has been made since our 2021 report, and what still needs to be done.
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FDA delegation attends TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2025
Last week, an FDA delegation attended the TUC’s 2025 Disabled Workers’ Conference, held at the Bournemouth International Centre. The conference brings together delegates from across the union movement to discuss, debate and decide motions on issues affecting disabled workers.
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FDA rejects Reform’s “nonsensical” claims on EDI spending
The FDA has rejected claims made by Reform UK that £7 billion could be saved by cutting Equality Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, despite the most recent Cabinet Office review showing civil service EDI spending was around £27 million.