
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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FDA delegation attends TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025
In April, the 2025 TUC Black Workers’ Conference took place at Congress House in London, attended by a delegation of FDA members. The conference is part of a series of equality conferences held by the TUC, which also includes the Women’s Conference, Disabled Workers’ Conference, and LGBT+ Conference.
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Meaningful reform
It’s time to lead the civil service, not just the morning news round, says Dave Penman.
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Under significant pressure: Interview with Director of Public Prosecutions
Tom Nathan speaks to Crown Prosecution Service Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson about CPS’s handling of riots, the importance of impartiality and his plan to help reduce unmanageable prosecutor caseloads.
Join the FDA today
By joining the FDA, you’ll be standing alongside more than 23,000 other members who believe that public services – and the people who deliver them – matter.