Standing up for civil servants
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Hybrid working “boosts productivity”, says Penman
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman has responded to report from The Telegraph claiming that civil servants…
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Huge industrial transformation
Tom Nathan speaks to TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak about the enormous significance of the Employment…
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FDA condemns dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins over Mandelson vetting
The FDA has condemned the Prime Minister’s dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins, former FCDO Permanent Secretary,…
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An objective way forward
Katherine Hutchinson speaks to FDA member Rebecca* about her experiences facing difficult circumstances at work, and…
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Adopt, Innovate, Transform
The government is betting on rewiring the state using artificial intelligence (AI). But how can civil…
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Never again
Following the unacceptable issues arising from the civil service pension scheme transfer to Capita, Adrian Prandle…
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Shaping the world of work: Dave Penman on the challenges facing the civil service, and plans for his new term as General Secretary
Following his re-election, Dave Penman outlines the challenges of the next five years and his plans…
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Polanski’s call to abolish Ofsted “ignores the evidence”, says FDA
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman responds to Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales…
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FDA response to the Minister for Education’s written ministerial statement
FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland comments on the written ministerial statement made by Minister for…
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Penman re-elected
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Dave Penman had been re-elected as General Secretary of…
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FDA and Fabian Society launch new AI report
Report co-authors Sasjkia Otto and Aoife Donaghy, alongside former No.10 Downing Street Innovation Fellow Alexander De…
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Back civil servants to ‘rewire Whitehall’, report urges
Involve civil servants and properly invest in AI to achieve the productivity and savings the government…
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Calls for significant cuts to the NI public sector workforce risks “scapegoating” NICS
The FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has pushed back against calls for significant…
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FDA responds to Reform UK plans for political civil service appointments
The FDA has responded to reports that Reform UK plans to replace permanent secretaries and directors…
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Government’s response to Home-Based Working Select Committee recommendations a “missed opportunity”
The FDA has criticised the government’s response to recommendations made by the House of Lords Select…
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TUC Women’s Conference 2026
A delegation of FDA members attended TUC Women’s Conference in Bournemouth.
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“An outstanding leader with a proven track record” – FDA responds to Dame Antonia Romeo appointment
The FDA has welcomed the appointment of former Home Office Permanent Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo as Cabinet…
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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…