why join?
Collective representation
The FDA stands up for managers and professionals in public service. As a member of the FDA, we will defend your professional interests and ensure your rights at work are protected.
Collective bargaining
Collective bargaining agreements in more than 100 employers allow us to engage directly with departments and negotiate on our members’ behalf on pay, pensions, redundancy, equality and other issues.
Your voice in the media
The FDA acts as a strong, pragmatic voice for civil servants across the media, speaking up to defend members when they are unable to do so themselves and shaping conversations about public service.
Defending impartiality
We believe civil service political impartiality is a vital part of effective governance in the UK. We speak out to defend the civil service against politicisation as well as unwarranted attacks on its impartiality and integrity.
The FDA led a long campaign to enshrine the civil service values of independence and impartiality in law, which culminated in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act of 2010.
Promoting civil service ethics
The FDA is a vocal advocate for strong ethics in the civil service and wider public sector, playing a key role in the original introduction of the Civil Service Code and subsequent modernisations.
Briefing politicians
We seek to influence public sector policy through our work with politicians and the government. FDA representatives regularly appear before select committees and submit evidence to enquiries and salary review bodies based upon the shared experience of our members.
Latest news
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FDA panel event for LGBT History Month 2025
To mark LGBT History Month 2025, the FDA hosted an online panel event with members and representatives from civil service-wide networks to discuss the progress and challenges of advancing LGBT equality and inclusion in their workplaces.
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Northern Ireland AGM 2025: A growing Section going from strength to strength
The FDA welcomed members from its Northern Ireland Section to this year’s AGM, featuring a keynote address from former Head of the NICS Sir David Sterling.
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Don’t use civil servants as scapegoats for overspend in Northern Ireland
FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh spoke to BBC Radio Ulster to challenge claims that senior civil servants were to blame for a projected £2.45 billion overspend in major capital projects.
Join the FDA today
By joining the FDA, you’ll be standing alongside more than 22,000 other members who believe that public services – and the people who deliver them – matter.