Why join?

Why TSP trainees should join

Fast Stream members get first six months of free FDA membership.

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The union of choice for TSP trainees

ARC, the FDA in HMRC, is the trade union of choice to represent trainees on the Tax Specialist Programme.

We offer more than just support in times of need, we advocate for your profession and help your career development – bringing together tax and customs professionals, lawyers, policy makers, customer service staff and managers from across HMRC.

All TSP members are offered the first six months of their ARC/FDA membership for free, with reduced subscription rates during their time on the programme. Join today and select “Fast Stream” as your grade to ensure you pay the correct subscription.

Benefits of joining

Support at work

We help with TSP-specific workplace issues, such as exam failures.

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Six months for free

Receive the first six months of your membership for free.

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Member discounts

You can save £692.04 per year with membership discounts to major brands like Apple and M&S.

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Career progression

We help over 3,000 HMRC staff a year to develop their careers with high quality training.

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What we’ve achieved

  • We have secured a fully consolidated pay award and a higher increase the Grade 7 minima. This means that those who complete the TSP course will receive higher starting salaries.
  • Secured government investment in HMRC, leading to 5,000 new compliance staff and an expanded TSP trainee intake of 500 a year until 2029.
  • Secured many positive changes to terms and conditions, including faster accrual of annual leave and improved family friendly policies.
  • Challenged HMRC on top-down one-size-fits-all office mandates. At a national level, we have been calling for a more pragmatic approach to hybrid working.
Georgia Gould addresses FDA delegates.

The voice of TSP trainees

The union maintains close links with the Learning/Course Director’s team and other key decision makers for TSP.

ARC representatives meet at least once a month with these decision makers to ensure the views and concerns of our members are heard.

ARC’s national committee has members dedicated to trainees and the TSP, including both current and former participants of the programme.
We are also building a network of TSP reps throughout the regional centres, so that there is a named rep in your workplace to help with any issues you have and help you make the most of your time on the programme.

What does the FDA stand for?

Impartiality

Equality

A strong, 

pragmatic voice

Independent and
member-led

Memberships

How much do I pay?

Fast Stream and equivalent development schemes

Period Monthly cost
First six monthsFree
After six months£12

Member discounts

As soon as you become a member of the FDA, you are automatically eligible to access FDA Portfolio. The average FDA member could save £692.04 per year by using a handful of benefits available.

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HELP

FAQs

How much does membership cost?

The first six months of your membership is free, after that, the membership costs £12 per month.

Is membership an annual or monthly subscription?

We collect subscriptions on a monthly basis.

I’m in need of union support, where do I go?

In need of urgent support?

Login to your members’ area to find the contact details of your local rep.

Problems logging in? Call us on 020 7401 5555

Got a question about the membership?

Get in touch with our Membership Secretary at membership@fda.org.uk.

TSP trainees get first six months of ARC/FDA membership for free

All TSP trainees are offered the first six months of their FDA membership for free, with reduced subscription rates during their time on the programme.

JOIN NOW!