FDA DWP rep Matthew Brown receives 2026 Individual Impact Award

The 2026 FDA individual Impact Award went to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rep Matthew Brown, recognising his ongoing work to improve health and safety across DWP offices.

The award is presented to an FDA member, activist or rep each year at the union’s Annual Delegate Conference (ADC). It recognises the outstanding contribution they have made to union campaigns, engagement, branch development, recruitment, casework, or negotiation.

Brown was nominated for the award due to his sustained campaigning for the improvement of health and safety across DWP, with a particular focus on Grimsby Crown House, which has been widely regarded as one of the UK’s most unsafe workplaces.

With support from his union Brown launched the campaign in 2024, and it has continued to build momentum over the past two years. This led to a wider DWP campaign resulting in notable successes, including in Sheffield with the closure of the Hartshead and Kings Court buildings, with staff relocated to a new, safer office location.

Reflecting on the campaign, Brown says that “the FDA’s work is rooted in constructive, meaningful engagement with senior leaders and decision-makers – particularly across estates and operational functions – where we focus on influencing outcomes that directly improve both the working environment and the safety of those we represent.

“Through this we have been able to secure meaningful and measurable improvements – from enhancements to workplace safety standards and estate conditions, to broader changes that positively impact the day-to-day experience of our members.”

Discussing what it meant to have received the award for this work, Brown said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. While this award is personally significant, it is ultimately a reflection of a collective effort to deliver meaningful improvements in health and safety, equality, workforce engagement, and representation across Great Grimsby and beyond.

“The progress achieved would not have been possible without the professionalism, experience, and unwavering support of the FDA DWP team. Their insight and guidance have been instrumental in navigating complex and often challenging situations, ensuring that outcomes remain focused on fairness, safety, and continuous improvement.”

Brown says his commitment to this campaigning has been “strongly shaped by lived experience, including dyslexia, autism, and mental health challenges. These experiences have reinforced my belief that inclusive workplaces are not just an aspiration, but a necessity. I am motivated to champion environments where everyone – regardless of background or circumstance – can feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute fully.”

Going forward, Brown says he “remains particularly focused on advancing a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, equity of opportunity, and strong employee voice, recognising that these are fundamental to delivering sustainable organisational performance and better public service outcomes.”