
FDA in the Competition and Markets Authority
FDA represents CMA staff in grades HEO and above
The FDA is an independent, member-led union. We are politically neutral and spend all our resources on representing our members’ interests, giving them a strong, pragmatic voice in the workplace.
We work collaboratively and in partnership to improve the professional and public standing of our CMA members.
Member benefits include:
- One-to-one employment advice and representation for workplace issues
- Access to legal advice during disputes with your employer
- High quality career development support and training through FDA Learn
- A range of discounts from insurance to gym memberships to days out

Duncan Woodhead
National Officer
Duncan is the National Officer with responsibility for the Competition and Markets Authority.
What the FDA can do for you

We are there when you need help at work
Whatever your workplace issue, we are here with one-to-one employment advice and representation to help resolve it.

We fight for your pay, pensions and working conditions
We campaign and negotiate with employers on behalf of our members to ensure they have the resources required both to do their jobs and have a life outside the workplace.

We support your career progression
Through our specialised masterclasses, conferences and online training, FDA Learn addresses a wide range of skills to help you progress in your career and maximise your potential.
Join the FDA today
By joining the FDA, you’ll be standing alongside more than 26,000 other members who believe that public services – and the people who deliver them – matter.
Latest news
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Agility of deployment
Tommy Newell speaks to Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government Joe Griffin about leading an organisation through contraction, working with unions to shape change, and the promise of AI to make public services more human.
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FDA Ofsted Branch wins Group Impact Award 2026
This year’s FDA Group Impact Award was presented to the union’s Ofsted Branch. The branch had been nominated for the award in recognition of the work that went into the ‘Beyond the Framework: The people behind inspections’ report and campaign.
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FDA President’s path to the union
Katherine Hutchinson speaks with the FDA’s newly elected President for 2026-2028, Leila Kelly, about her path to the union and what she considers to be the FDA’s biggest challenges during her Presidency.