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.
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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.
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.
FDA membership is available to staff in all government departments, agencies and arms-length bodies who are either:
We have members from across the public sector, and across the country. Whether you work in policy or operations, Leeds or Belfast, HR or finance, the House of Commons or the Ministry of Justice, you can become part of the FDA.
FDA in Wales
The FDA represents civil servants and senior professionals working for the devolved administration, Welsh Government sponsored bodies and UK government departments.
FDA in Scotland
The union represents civil servants and senior professionals working for the devolved administration, Scottish Government-sponsored bodies and UK-wide departments based here.
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.
FDA in Northern Ireland
The FDA provides workplace representation, legal assistance, career development and many other benefits to members working in Northern Ireland.
FDA Overseas
The FDA provides workplace representation, legal assistance and many other benefits to members in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), its associated agencies and public bodies.
Associate membership
FDA offer associate membership to those retiring from or leaving the civil service.
FDA Member
The FDA is an important safety net and ally… You wouldn’t own a house without insurance – and your career and reputation are even more important.
It can often feel like you don’t have a say in the big decisions affecting your career. I joined the FDA to make my voice stronger, and to add it to the thousands of others standing up for civil servants.
The FDA was there to help me through some very anxious times, providing excellent professional advice, support and representation. And they defended me successfully.
As soon as you become a member of the FDA, you are automatically eligible to access FDA Portfolio. The average FDA member could save £692.04 per year by using a handful of benefits available.
Advice & support
A trade union is a group of employees who come together to protect their working conditions and advocate for change.
The union’s work is carried out by full-time staff and local representatives who volunteer their time. They provide members with personalised advice, advocacy, and practical support to resolve workplace issues.
Unions also negotiate on behalf of members through collective bargaining to secure agreements on pay, working hours, benefits, and other employment terms to safeguard and improve conditions for all.
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.
Memberships
Grade 7 and above
HEO, SEO and equivalent
Fast Stream and equivalent development schemes
HELP
We understand that workplace issues can’t wait. As an FDA member, you have direct access to confidential, professional advice from our UK-wide network of local reps and National Officers. They can provide personalised guidance, advocacy, and representation on issues like bullying, harassment, redundancy, disciplinary matters, discrimination, and more.
If you need urgent support, log in to the members’ portal to find the contact details of your local rep. They will respond promptly and help you take the next steps.
FDA membership is billed monthly, based on your salary and grade. Fast Stream members receive the first 6 months of their membership free.
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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.
