FDA and the Civil Service Fast Stream
The FDA is the only trade union recognised by the Cabinet Office to represent Fast Stream civil servants. We welcome individuals from all Fast Stream schemes – from generalist to diplomatic service, finance to commercial, human resources to project delivery. All Fast Stream members are offered the first six months of their FDA membership for free, with reduced subscription rates during their time on the programme.
Why should Fast Stream civil servants join the FDA?
1. We are there for you when you need help at work
“The FDA’s help was essential in overturning my Must Improve rating after a bad posting. Without the support and encouragement of the union I wouldn’t have felt able to challenge it.” Helen, FDA Fast Stream member
“The FDA has been invaluable in ensuring that I received the reasonable adjustments I need to do the job.” Hasan, FDA Fast Stream member
Each year, the FDA helps members faced with problematic performance appraisals; relocations; reasonable adjustments; posting appeals; End of Posting Reviews (EPRs); Development Trajectory Assessments (DTAs); redundancy; discrimination; bullying; harassment; disciplinary charges and dismissal. We help secure reasonable adjustments and, when appropriate, even take our members’ cases to court.
Whatever your workplace issue, we are here with advice and with action to help resolve it.
2. We improve your pay and conditions
The FDA is the only union to bargain for Fast Stream employees.
- In 2023 we achieved the biggest pay uplifts to the scheme in its history, winning one of the best pay deals we’ve seen in the public sector
- We secured the two-year uplift
- We gained improvements in terms and conditions for those on the central schemes
- We won Fast Stream civil servants the right to ballot in 2019, meaning for the first time ever you can vote on pay deals
3. We support your career development
Every year, we help thousands of people develop their careers though our professional development programme FDA Learn.
We also organise FDA Fast Stream events, including breakfast networking sessions and talks on a range of topics – from parliamentary process to getting into grade 7 – designed to help our members gain the knowledge and tools to progress their careers.
4. We lobby on your behalf and speak up for you
Public servants can’t always speak up for themselves, so we promote the positive work you do and combat falsehoods – wherever they come from.
We recognise Fast Stream civil servants aren’t always confident speaking out when they have a problem, but the Fast Stream Section is always happy to make the case on behalf of its members.
In 2022, our lobbying played a role in reversing the government's decision to suspend the Fast Stream.
5. We help save you money
You can save money through our exclusive set of FDA Portfolio deals, and as an FDA Fast Stream member you can get an NUS card.
The FDA's Fast Stream Section is run and supported by Fast Streamers who volunteer to be representatives and are elected to the committee. Volunteering with the FDA counts as one of your corporate objectives, email faststream@fda.org.uk if you want to have a chat about getting involved.