Annual Delegate Conference 2025 catch up
Catch up on the addresses by guest speakers at this year’s Annual Delegate Conference.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman used his speech to argue that civil servants are “hungry for reform” and called on the government to commit to “a clear plan for improved public services and a people plan to match” with a particular focus on pay
Journalist and broadcaster Lewis Goodall discussed the relationship between ministers and civil servants and the future of ‘mission-led government’ with delegates, predicting that the government’s appetite for experimentation may grow over time, having started out a year ago with a “pretty blank” plan.
Discussing the issue of civil service reform Gould told delegates: “The civil service is an amazing constitution, but it can get in the way. It’s deeply embedded and set up for a slower, less complex world, more hierarchical. Departments are far too siloed when all the challenges we face are deeply complex”.
Latest news
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Pay progression for Senior Civil Servants is welcome, but remains ‘top pay priority’
In response to announcements on civil service pay, the FDA welcome progression for Senior Civil Servants, but introducing progression for other grades remains ‘top pay priority’ after ‘lack of meaningful change for two decades’.
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FDA ADC 2026 catch up
Catch up on the speeches from this year’s Annual Delegate Conference.
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ADC 2026: “Standing up for members, supporting careers, and delivering real outcomes”
The FDA’s 2026 Annual Delegate Conference took place yesterday in Westminster, where we welcomed delegates from each of the union’s branches and sections. The conference saw lively debate from delegates, who came together to decide the union’s policy for the year ahead on a wide range of issues affecting members.