Annual Delegate Conference 2026 catch up
Catch up on the speeches from this year’s Annual Delegate Conference.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman’s speech warned that “trust is in short supply” between civil servants and ministers, which is needed for “effective, and agile government”. Penman also celebrated the union’s successes and wins over the previous year and updated delegates on the FDA’s work on pay reform.
Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor of the i Paper, who took part in an ‘in conversation’ session with Penman, discussing topics including attacks on civil servants.
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster used his speech to a number of announcements, including new AI training for civil servants to “seize the promise of technology” to improve public services and new senior-led delivery teams in every government department.
Latest news
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FDA calls for removal of Prime Minister’s power to rule on bullying complaints
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to introduce a fully independent process for dealing with bullying and harassment complaints to his new Ministerial Code
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FDA sign formal recognition agreement for special advisers
The FDA sign formal recognition agreement for special advisers with Satvir Kaur MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office
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FDA’s Jane Runeckles elected TUC Cymru President
Jane Runeckles, National Officer for FDA Cymru | Wales, has been elected President of TUC Cymru for the coming year