iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

FDA statement on settlement agreement for Sir Oliver Robbins.

Press release from FDA union titled "Sir Oliver Robbins - Settlement Agreement"

The FDA is pleased that the Government has settled out of court to rectify the circumstances surrounding Sir Oliver Robbins’s departure from the civil service.

Sir Oliver Robbins said:

“I am grateful for all the support and good wishes from former colleagues, friends and strangers, which have helped me and my family during this difficult time. I want to thank the FDA for their assistance in reaching this settlement and I am looking forward to moving on to the next chapter of my life”.

Dave Penman FDA General Secretary said:

“This settlement may bring an end to the Judicial Review proceedings, but this whole unprecedented affair has damaged the bond of trust between civil servants and ministers, which is essential to the effective running of Government. The scapegoating of Sir Oliver, to mask the misjudgement of the previous Prime Minister, marked one of the lowest points in the recent history of civil service-ministerial relations - which is quite the feat.

"We urge the government to clarify quickly the issues raised by this affair over ministerial involvement in the vetting process.”

Sir Oliver Robbins will be making no further comment.

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The key to good workforce transformation is timely and effective engagement. So was good to get that commitment from First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Cabinet Minister Dafydd Trystan Davies as well as a recognition of the commitment from the civil service to help deliver the Programme for Govt.

FDA National Officer Jane Runeckles and FDA General Secretary Dave Penman with First Minister for Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth and representatives from our sister unions.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman and FDA National Officer Jane Runeckles with Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution Dafydd Trystan Davies MS.

010

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Up with the lark this morning on my way to beautiful Cardiff, to meet with @prifweinidog.gov.wales to discuss the programme for Govt in Wales. The FDA is the only union in all of the Govts of the UK, giving us unique insight to build strong partnerships with all the devolved Govts.

A train platform in darkness, with the information display showing the time is 5.02am and the next train due is at 5.05am.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman with the Paddington Bear statue at Paddington train station in London

010

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.

000

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.

174

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.

000

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.

100

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.

011

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

075

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’.

151

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.

021

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.

030

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.

000

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

020

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.

040

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

022

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.

000

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.

021

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.

000

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.

020

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.

010

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."

141

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.

140

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.

021

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.

031

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.

220

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.

062

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.

001

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

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

030

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.

010

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.

000

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

As I told World at One, this is no way to run a country. The briefing and speculation about the Cabinet Secretary not only undermines the individual and the office of Cabinet Secretary, but has a chilling effect across the entire civil service.

000

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

No more reports, no more commissions, no more dithering and delaying. We need a decision on the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminister now. Waiting any longer will only continue to increase the costs and the danger posed.

Press release from FDA Union.

“Farcical” to wait until 2030 to make decision on restoration and renewal of parliament, says FDA
Responding to the latest publication of UK Parliament’s Restoration and Renewal Board, Delivering restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster: the costed proposals, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman said:

“It is farcical that a decision has not already been reached. The Restoration and Renewal Programme was established in 2013 and MPs were first asked to consider options and make recommendations in 2015.

“Waiting until 2030 to make the decision on enhanced maintenance versus a full decant of the parliamentary estate is not a viable option.

“Over a decade has already passed. The facts have not changed. Independent reports and parliamentary staff agree - a full decant of the estate is the safest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to make parliament safe. Every other measure fails to adequately address safety and security concerns.

“The only thing that has changed is the increased costs and danger. Since 2015, costs have risen from £3.8 billion to £15.6 billion as construction prices have increased, the building falls further into disrepair, and we continue to spend £75.9 million a year just on maintenance.

“In the last decade there has also been 36 fire incidents, 12 asbestos incidents, and 19 stonemasonry incidents.

“No more reports, no more commissions, no more dithering and delaying. Parliamentary leaders must now take an urgent position on the delivery approach and choose a full decant of the estate.

“The health and safety of members, staff, and visitors take precedence. We cannot wait for a catastrophic incident to focus minds and make the decision for us.”

020

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Following his speech today on modernising Whitehall, I asked @darrenpjones.bsky.social how government can convince civil servants, who have too often been scapegoated by politicians, to take risks without knowing they won’t get quickly blamed by ministers when those risks don’t work out.

020

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's annual conference I asked Mel Stride how, when he won’t know the state of public services in 2029, the health of the economy or even the programme his own govt would have if elected - he knows how many civil servants will be needed then.

020

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

At today’s @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference, I asked @darrenpjones.bsky.social how he responds to concerns about the fragmentation of responsibilities, including changes to his own role, preventing civil service reform.

021

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's annual conference, I asked Wes Streeting what he is doing to give staff in the NHS and civil service the support and stability they need to deliver public services and drive efficiencies whilst navigating the uncertainties of major organisational restructures.

031

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

As I told @gbnewsonline.bsky.social, reports of a 'mass exodus' of civil servants if Reform come into power need to be taken with a pinch of salt - chatter in Westminster watering holes isn't representative of the vast majority of civil servants working to deliver public services across the country.

130

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

"You can have a bigger or smaller civil service but your plans have got to have a bit of coherence... I think that was the bit missing" @fdagensec.bsky.social on Reform UK's announcement on civil service reform.

030

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

This morning we had our first glimpse of the detail of Reform UK's plans for the civil service. However, the idea you can slash swathes of “corporate functions” while protecting front line services in the likes of HMRC, the Border Force, and prison service is unrealistic.

Press release from the FDA Union responding to Reform UK's plans for the civil service announced this morning by Danny Kruger

021

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

As I told @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, my hope is that this legislation will create better workplaces. Letting employees know they have a right to join a union & be represented isn't pro-union, it's just factual. It's about your rights at work & that's really important for employees.

000

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

It’s not often a campaign ticks all the boxes. Strong evidence base, great member engagement and influencing a new government’s policy. Could not be prouder of the FDA team behind Funding the Nation - our superb reps and talented staff working together to deliver real change.

Member Iain Campbell accepting the FDA’s highly commended award for best campaign communication for ARC’s Funding the Nation.

FDA’s entry for Funding the Nation, highly commended for best campaign communication at the 2025 TUC Communications Awards

042

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

As I told @cathynewman.bsky.social, I want to see the Employment Rights Bill passed and the improvements enacted in a wide range of areas from sick pay to union access to workplaces. This is a fair compromise on unfair dismissal if it gets this Bill through the Lords.

030

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Well. That was a match. At last Scotland’s renowned Samba soccer gets the credit it deserves. We’ll be coming 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

St Andrew’s cross made up of Scotland football players and their manager, with the slogan ‘We’ll be coming 26’

030

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

It was a pleasure to meet with Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives and Inter Provincial Coordination in the Pakistan Govt & his team, looking at civil service reform & lessons that can be learnt from the UK experience.

020

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

If you’re in Fylde View come down and say hi - in reception room all day, and lunchtime in room A3.05.

010

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

As I told @christopherhope.bsky.social, government works well when civil servants are there to offer ministers impartial, evidence-based advice. That only works if they are hired based on what they know, rather than what they believe.

011

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

As I said to @kateemccann.bsky.social, imagine working in the Home Office where a Home Sec got a free pass despite bullying staff, where policy after policy failed & though trying to make it work, ministers blamed you as part of an activist blob & you're now told you have a defeatist attitude.

032

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

As I told @kateemccann.bsky.social, Nick Timothy's report fails to look at the root cause of the problems that exist within parts of the Home Office - it's not listening circles that have caused chaotic immigration policy, it's unstable political leadership.

030

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

The songs of @deaconbluemusic have been the soundtrack to my adult life. From the first mesmerising performance at the Black Isle show in ‘87 to the Big Day, Barras, Fruit Market, Hammersmith, Royal Albert Hall and now Wembley, All the more special to share with my 8 year old.

Photo from Deacon Blue concert at Wembley, October 2025

030