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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Announcing ever increasing finger-in-the-air numbers on civil service job cuts is a stunt, not a plan for govt. Any elected govt can decide if it wants a bigger or smaller civil service, but only serious ones demonstrate how, & what public services they’ll cut as a result. www.ft.com/content/199d...

ft.com

Reform UK says it would halve size of civil service in radical overhaul

Rightwing anti-immigration party is warning mandarins that they are prepared to counter any ‘sabotage or resistance’

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Insourcing pensions administration will take years. So “Insource Now!” may make a good war cry for those standing with placards and pitchforks, but it is not a viable solution to the hardship and uncertainty faced by current and retired civil servants. www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...

civilserviceworld.com

An uncomfortable reality: We have to make the Capita contract work

Calling for insourcing of the Civil Service Pension Scheme won’t help the thousands of civil servants facing hardship today

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I was honoured to second the vote of thanks to this year’s TUC President Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Although the civil service has become the go to excuse for political failure, it is the permanent and impartial civil service that ensures the lights stay on, regardless of political turmoil. This is why it is vital the govt’s review of the civil service looks at how to safeguard the core values.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Reports in today's papers is about this government trying to solve the issue that foxes all Prime Ministers when they enter office.... How does No.10 make things happen? I discussed the issue with @sebastianpayne.bsky.social on @listentotimesradio.bsky.social this afternoon.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

As I told @theipaper.com, this isn’t about ministers who are robust, this is about systematic bullying. No one has confidence in a system when the individual who put that minister there in the first place is the same person who determines the outcome of a complaint. inews.co.uk/news/politic...

inews.co.uk

Union demands Burnham strips himself of power to rule on bullying complaints

In a letter seen by The i Paper the head of the civil service union says officials are scared to make complaints about their minister bosses because the system is no longer fit for purpose

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

This is classic Johnson, deflection and scapegoating. Civil servants implement govt policy. It was his govt’s policy that allowed the massive increase in immigration. Rather than taking responsibility, he throws the accusation of “remain” civil servants undermining his govt around.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I’m proud to have signed today our formal recognition agreement for Special Advisers with Satvir Kaur MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office. Special Advisers play a vital role in Government, supporting ministers and helping to protect the impartiality of the civil service.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office Satvir Kaur MP and FDA General Secretary Dave Penman signing a formal recognition agreement for Special Advisers.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

This morning on Times Radio I argued the PM's decision to sack Robbins was made in a matter of minutes without any process after reacting to a newstory. This is not only bad Olly, but bad for the whole permanent civil service, and bad for the government's ability to deliver for the public.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Statement from the FDA regarding legal action launched today by Sir Olly Robbins, challenging his dismissal:

Copy of FDA statement: Sir Oliver Robbins submits legal challenge of his dismissal

The FDA represents Sir Oliver Robbins. Olly has today issued proceedings requesting a Judicial Review of his dismissal as Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service.

The Prime Minister has acknowledged that his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States in December 2024 was a mistake. He should also admit that sacking Olly was a mistake, based on a grievous misunderstanding of how the National Security Vetting (NSV) system worked and a rash response to a media story.

A point of principle is at stake, which affects all FDA members. It damages the core values of a professional and impartial civil service if its most senior officials can be dismissed on a Prime Ministerial whim, without even the semblance of a fair process or considered understanding of the core issue.

Olly’s submission to the Court is that:

The Prime Minister has asserted publicly that it was his decision to dismiss Olly, however the Prime Minister has no statutory authority to dismiss the Head of the Diplomatic Service;
Not only was there no fair procedure involved in his dismissal, there was no process at all; and
Insofar as Olly has been given reasons for his dismissal, they are irrational. Rather than being under a duty to tell ministers about the process leading up to the vetting decision, Olly was under an obligation not to. The process is independent of government ministers, who are only informed of the final outcome. This position was confirmed in a letter of 16 September 2025 that was signed by the Foreign Secretary, using text both drafted and approved by No.10

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

I just love how those that worship the private sector don’t realise that any successful company doesn’t trash their staff publicly and expect to succeed. If Reform UK are serious about Government, they need to get serious about governing.

Screenshot of the Politico website where Reform UK’s Danny Kruger describes the civil service as ‘clapped out’.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

As I told @theipaper.com, the clock is ticking. Andy Burnham is starting as a mid term PM & the last thing he or the country needs is the civil service to be rearranging the deckchairs, unsure of the seating plan, rather than getting on with delivering. inews.co.uk/news/politic...

inews.co.uk

‘Charge of the spite brigade’: Burnham battles Starmer's desperate rearguard

Tensions grow between teams of the outgoing and likely incoming Prime Minister

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Whatever the issue, whether it’s digital transformation with AI or a new agenda for devolution, constructive engagement between unions and govt is key to effective public sector reform. My latest for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social with Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy.

civilserviceworld.com

Better relations, better outcomes: Why we signed a new partnership framework with the Cabinet Office

The FDA and Prospect unions explain the thinking behind the agreement with the Cabinet Office

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Pleased to be able to announce a new Partnership Working Framework launched today with the Cabinet Office, the FDA, Prospect and the Prison Officers' Association.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Since hybrid working started under the Coalition Govt. more than a decade ago, hundreds of millions of pounds have been saved by having a smaller civil service estate. Unwind that if you want, but do tell us where the money is coming from for all the new offices.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

As I told @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, whoever becomes the next PM needs to think carefully about the damage and disruption that unforced changes can have on the ability of govt to deliver for the public.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

The govt’s recent reforms to SCS pay are a welcome step in the right direction and have implications for wider pay reform across the civil service. A good argument for why pay review bodies are a good idea. More of that please. My latest for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social

civilserviceworld.com

A giddy new dawn: Plans for SCS pay progression are a crucial step in the right direction

Recently-announced reforms to SCS pay means government can begin to address issues that have blighted the senior civil service pay system for decad...

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Kruger's latest proposals for the civil service starts off with fair analysis on the need for better delivery. All too quickly though you can sense the vitriol driving the proposals. Me for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...

civilserviceworld.com

Reform UK have decided the civil service is not to be trusted – weakness is at the heart of this irrational fear

Danny Kruger's plans are not radical, they are ideological group think

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Is there a better view from a conference centre in the country? Great to be back at the @tuccymru.bsky.social Congress at a pivotal moment for the movement in Wales.

View from Venue Cymru in Llandudno, the location for the 2026 TUC Cymru Congress

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

As I told @evanhd.bsky.social, civil servants do not choose that career if they are uncomfortable serving different ministers or governments of different political persuasions. But they do get frustrated when change is happening for change’s sake. This is what gets in the way of good government.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Standing up for members, supporting careers, & delivering real outcomes. That’s what makes us different, that’s what makes us strong, & that’s why we’re the fastest growing union in the country. A pleasure to deliver my speech to the FDA’s annual conference, celebrating the strength of our union.

Delivering my speech at the 2026 FDA Annual Delegate Conference

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

A day of drama in Westminster. The big questions of how Government delivers and improves the lives of working people. Will he, won’t he… Yes it’s FDA’s annual conference and yes I will… be mentioning Partick Thistle in my speech.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

As I told Talk TV, work evolves all the time. The evidence shows that, when it's managed well, hybrid working does deliver efficiencies and productivity.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

As I told Channel 5's Storm & Alexis show, when done well, hybrid working can boost productivity and save taxpayer money. These constant attacks against civil servants for working from home, when many can't even find a desk to work from, need to stop.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Anyone who watched Sir Olly Robbins give evidence could see he has not been treated fairly. Of course civil servants being treated this way is going to send a chill throughout the service.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

As I told @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, diplomats are made, not born, and require high levels of experience, skill and expertise to carry out very difficult work - the practice of politicians using these posts as tokens or retirement presents for their friends/allies needs to stop.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

As I told @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, I think the Prime Minister thinks this suddenly becomes a question of Olly Robbins' judgement about approving vetting rather than his judgement about appointing Mandelson and No.10 just leapt on that to be honest. And Olly's the fall guy in all of this.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

As I said on @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, there is no one now in the leadership of the civil service who doesn't think, "if it's politically expedient, I will be thrown under the bus."

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Anyone who watched Sir Olly give evidence today could see the passion and commitment he has for public service.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

At the heart of this debacle we have seen the unceremonious dismissal of a public servant who, as I said to @lbc.co.uk, has dedicated his career to the work of government and the protection of our national security.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

As I told @lbc.co.uk, Sir Olly Robbins outlined today that there's a reason the vetting process is kept separate from ministers - to protect the integrity of the process, and ultimately national security.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

You would think from some of the commentary out there that, instead of Dame Antonia Romeo, the cabinet secretary, publishing her objectives on Tuesday, she had instead authored her own version of the Communist Party Manifesto. My latest column for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social

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Reposted by Dave Penman

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland @robertmurtagh1.bsky.social has responded to the written ministerial statement made by Minister for Education Paul Givan this afternoon:

Press release from the FDA union: 'FDA response to the Minister for Education’s written ministerial statement'

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Refreshing to see a minister recognise that creating a more productive and agile state is a shared ambition with officials. As our new report - Adopt, Innovate, Transform - shows, 2/3 have already innovated with Al and believe it can help transform services. www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...

telegraph.co.uk

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Adopting AI in public services will only be successful if we make these technologies synonymous with good meaningful work. A pleasure to launch ‘Adopt, Innovate, Transform’, the new report from the FDA and @thefabians.bsky.social, at our HQ this evening.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Another problem is that as soon as you have political picks, when you change a minister they will want their own pick as well. In the last 10 yrs we have had whole football teams of secretaries of state. If you changed the permanent secretary every time it would be a massive churn, & very disruptive

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

It is truly a privilege to serve as General Secretary of the FDA and I could not be prouder to be re-elected for another 5 year term. The challenges never cease but neither does the inspiration in representing the dedicated public servants who make up our growing membership.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

After a decade of being almost infantilised by ministers, we need a confident, visible civil service leadership that will stand up for the values of an impartial, permanent civil service. Romeo’s first message to all staff captured just that. My latest for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

And so it continues. Tittle-tattle used rehash the same old stories to keep them in the public consciousness. A deliberate campaign to undermine the Cabinet Secretary. How ironic on #IWD www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...

dailymail.co.uk

Antonia Romeo's builders 'aimed salty language at her neighbours'

Dame Antonia, who is said to command a £200,000 salary in her new role, bought the house in West London with her hugely wealthy husband John Romeo, back in 2023.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Great appointment of Baroness Maggie Jones as new Chair of Acas. Look forward to working together at an exciting and challenging time for Acas with huge opportunity to help change the world of work. www.acas.org.uk/baroness-jon...

acas.org.uk

Baroness Jones announced as new Acas Chair | Acas

The Department for Business and Trade appoint Baroness Maggie Jones as the new Acas Chair.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Hybrid working can unlock efficiencies for the taxpayer and greater work life balance for employees, giving the civil service a competitive advantage for talent. That’s why we need to break out of the top down dogmatic approach from Govt. Great piece by @laurencrowley.bsky.social

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

The joy of getting older is the self indulgence. Call it Americana, call it new wave country or call it folk, but whatever you call it, Peter Case is simply amazing tonight in Copenhagen.

Peter Case singing into a microphone and playing a guitar on stage at Loppen music venue in Copenhagen.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Great to hear John O'Dowd MLA, Minister of Finance in the Northern Ireland Executive, with responsibility for the NICS, address the FDA Northern Ireland Conference on the scale of the fiscal challenge in NI and need for a fairer financial settlement combined with transformation of public services.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

As a told the @telegraph.co.uk, a lot of the criticism aimed at Romeo are about attributes that would be seen as a compliment if used to describe a man, such as wanting a profile or being ambitious. Some of the language is underlined by misogyny. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02...

telegraph.co.uk

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

The briefing has to stop. Plausible deniability is not good enough and it never was. Only the prime minister can stop what is ultimately done in his name. My latest column for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social www.civilserviceworld.com/news/article...

civilserviceworld.com

Another cabinet secretary gone – and still no lessons learned

The treatment of Chris Wormald isn’t just reprehensible, argues FDA general secretary Dave Penman – it shows ministers have learned nothing from th...

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

My response to today's announcement of Sir Chris Wormald's departure as Cabinet Secretary.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Politicians have a responsibility to protect the impartiality of the civil service and that constitutional settlement. It is disappointing this government is yet to learn the lessons from the Cummings era and has not taken that responsibility seriously.

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Civil servants can't publicly defend themselves, which Lord MacDonald knows from his professional experience. I think his intervention last night was poor judgement.

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