Professional development and training

Originally launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our FDA Learn webinars include  sessions on work-based skills, remote working, and health and wellbeing. They are designed to help members in these changing times, both professionally and personally.

All our sessions are free for FDA members, with weekly updates on upcoming webinars included in our member email.

FDA Learn and Keyskills

Our FDA Learn professional development programme offers specialised masterclasses, conferences and events to address a wide range of skills which are closely matched to the Civil Service Success Profiles.

We offer flexible career development support, specifically designed to help you develop the skills you require to progress in your career and maximise your potential. We also work closely with employers to develop bespoke events for their staff and build specific projects - often linked to addressing workforce change issues. 

Webinars

Following the social distancing restrictions in place due to coronavirus (COVID-19), we postponed our face-to-face courses and replaced them with webinars.

All of our webinars are free to attend for FDA and Keystone members. If you register to attend the webinar and find you cannot attend at the time, you can still view the webinar after the event. All registered delegates are sent a link to view the slides and video after each webinar.

Members can find the details of upcoming webinars and sign up here.

Webinars are available to non members for £25 per person. Please email FDALearn@fda.org.uk to book your space.

"I was really impressed with the quality, both in terms of the content and the delivery. They have formed some of the best instances of training that I have undertaken whilst in the Civil Service, and have certainly given me a lot to mull over in terms of how I can transfer the lessons learned into my day to day working life."

- Jack Victor, FDA member

Public Sector Development and Mentoring Scheme

The Public Sector Development and Mentoring Scheme (PSDMS) is led by the FDA in partnership with civil service employers and partner universities working to support diversity in senior roles in the civil service. Find out more.

Professional Development Champions

The role of Professional Development Champions (PDCs) is to inform and support members in developing and achieving their goals as well as signpost opportunities and providers.

PDCs are supported by learning agreements with employers and have the right to time off to carry out their duties and receive training.

To become a PDC, or to find out more about FDA Learn, email Neil Rider via neil@fda.org.uk

Into Leadership

Together with Dods, the FDA hosts conferences to help underrepresented groups progress in their careers within the public sector. The Women into Leadership and Ethnic Minorities into Leadership conferences take place every year across the UK, and feature speakers, discussions and breakout sessions, all offering practical advice.

FDA members receive a significant discount for places at these events, details of which can be found on the Women into Leadership and Ethnic Minorities into Leadership websites.

Higher education offers

The FDA offers discounts to its members on a number of Higher Education courses. This includes 10% off all accredited courses at Birkbeck, the MSc in Public Administration at Leeds, and a number of courses available through the University of London. You can find further information on the discounts available here, or drop a line to neil@fda.org.uk.