Standing up for civil servants
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“New low” for government’s relationship with civil service – FDA responds following departure of Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald
The FDA has responded to the announcement that Sir Chris Wormald has departed the role of…
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“Farcical” to wait until 2030 to make decision on restoration and renewal of parliament, says FDA
The FDA has responded to the latest publication of UK Parliament’s Restoration and Renewal Board, ‘Delivering restoration…
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NICS reform can only be delivered with political leadership, says FDA
The FDA has called for strong political leadership to address the structural issues facing the Northern…
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FDA Ofsted report 2025: The people behind inspections
After a barrage of media criticism and calls for abolition, it’s been a difficult period for…
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Penman questions Chief Secretary to the PM on how civil servants can trust they won’t be scapegoated by ministers for taking risks
The FDA has responded to a series of civil service reforms announced by Chancellor of the…
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Penman challenges senior political figures on civil service reform at Institute for Government conference
During the Institute for Government’s annual conference, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman questioned speakers Chief Secretary…
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Why anonymous attacks must stop: Dave Penman on the “damage” caused by briefings
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman on the untold damage done by anonymous briefings against the civil…
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Member focus: mentee into mentor
Member Sabrina Schalz applied for the Fast Stream (FS) whilst pregnant, and took her baby with…
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Reform UK’s plans to cut swathes of corporate functions without impacting frontline services “unrealistic”, says FDA
The FDA has responded to Reform UK’s proposals for civil service reform if the party enters…
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Prosecutors are undervalued, underpaid and overworked, says FDA responding to CJI NI report
The FDA has responded to a new report from the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI…
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FDA calls for pay parity on IfG panel discussing Fast Stream reform
FDA National Officer for the Fast Stream Robert Eagleton took part in the Institute for Government’s…
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Lords Committee report highlights lack of evidence behind civil service 60% office working mandate
A new report from the House of Lords Select Committee on Home-Based Working, which features evidence…
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Education Minister Paul Givan must provide clarity over Israel visit – FDA NI National Officer Robert Murtagh
The FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has called on Minister of Education Paul…
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No.10 briefings against Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald “stink of political cowardice”, Penman says
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman has condemned briefings from No.10 sources that Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald…
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“Significant gaps” in current Northern Ireland standards regime, says Murtagh
FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has called for a strengthened standards regime in…
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FDA delegation attends TUC Congress 2025
This week, the FDA attended the 2025 TUC Congress in Brighton. FDA delegates spoke to and…
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Ministers must “step up to the plate” or risk undermining the civil service, says Penman
The FDA has defended the pay and pensions of senior civil servants and called for ministers…
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Structure over speed: Dame Wendy Hall on artificial intelligence in the civil service
Professor Dame Wendy Hall shares how artificial intelligence can assist the civil service, but shouldn’t be…
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The engine room of reform: speeches from ADC 2025
As well as lively debates on motions, the 2025 Annual Delegate Conference also heard from three…
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“An opportunity missed”
Dave Penman has labelled new Commission “an opportunity missed” and called on the government to go…
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FDA attends Irish Congress of Trade Unions Biennial Delegates Conference in Belfast
Building on the FDA’s increased presence in Northern Ireland (NI), this week the FDA’s National Officer…
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FDA rejects claims civil service to blame for delays to Northern Ireland infrastructure projects
The FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has spoken out against claims that the…
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Penman joins panel discussion on ethical leadership in government at IfG ‘Nolan Principles at 30’ conference
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman took part in a panel discussion covering the question ‘How can…
