Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 3hThe 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. 000
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 10hUp 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. 010
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 01/10/2026The FDA is a union growing in membership, influence and reach. We’re looking for a National Officer to help us continue and accelerate that journey. It’s exciting, demanding work providing strategic leadership to our fantastic reps, as well as directly negotiating and representing members.fda.org.ukJob advert: FDA National Officer - FDAAn opportunity to join the fastest growing union in the UK. 010
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Announcing 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.comReform UK says it would halve size of civil service in radical overhaulRightwing anti-immigration party is warning mandarins that they are prepared to counter any ‘sabotage or resistance’ 054
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Insourcing 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.comAn uncomfortable reality: We have to make the Capita contract workCalling for insourcing of the Civil Service Pension Scheme won’t help the thousands of civil servants facing hardship today 103
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 16/09/2026I 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 · 14/09/2026A pleasure to move our Motion 54 at TUC Congress this afternoon. congress.tuc.org.uk/motion-54-re...congress.tuc.org.ukMotion 54 Review of the civil service – TUC Congress Motions 010
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Although 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 · 07/09/2026Reports 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 · 19/07/2026As 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.ukUnion demands Burnham strips himself of power to rule on bullying complaintsIn 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 011
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/07/2026Yet he cannot bring himself to take responsibility and instead throws a bone to the “civil service Remain 5th columnists” conspiracists. 132
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/07/2026He said earlier in the interview that Brexit was about taking control, to restore democratic control of immigration. His govt had direct control, and his govt set the rules that allowed record migration. 163
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/07/2026This 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. 196
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 15/07/2026Their passion, loyalty and commitment has too often been taken for granted in the past. Our recognition agreement will ensure that the FDA can act as their collective voice as we do for all our members. 000
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 15/07/2026I’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. 100
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 15/07/2026I spoke to @siennarodgers.bsky.social about the challenges and opportunities of operating a No.10 North and what it might mean for the civil service. www.politicshome.com/news/article...politicshome.comInside Burnham's ‘No 10 North’ Plans: “It's Not Just About Creating A Second Westminster”Andy Burnham has pledged to create a ‘No 10 North’ in Manchester that would serve as the ‘nerve centre of a rewired Britain’. Will it work? How? Si... 001
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/07/2026This 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 · 13/07/2026Statement from the FDA regarding legal action launched today by Sir Olly Robbins, challenging his dismissal: 075
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/07/2026I 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. 151
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 04/07/2026As 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 rearguardTensions grow between teams of the outgoing and likely incoming Prime Minister 000
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Whatever 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.comBetter relations, better outcomes: Why we signed a new partnership framework with the Cabinet OfficeThe FDA and Prospect unions explain the thinking behind the agreement with the Cabinet Office 022
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Pleased 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 · 29/06/2026Since 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 · 23/06/2026As 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 · 17/06/2026The 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.socialcivilserviceworld.comA giddy new dawn: Plans for SCS pay progression are a crucial step in the right directionRecently-announced reforms to SCS pay means government can begin to address issues that have blighted the senior civil service pay system for decad... 020
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 05/06/2026Kruger'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.comReform UK have decided the civil service is not to be trusted – weakness is at the heart of this irrational fearDanny Kruger's plans are not radical, they are ideological group think 010
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 21/05/2026As I told @fayebrownjourno.bsky.social, as long as civil servants are not being asked to break their professional code, including upholding the rule of law, they don't get to decide which bits of policy they implement and which they don't. news.sky.com/story/civil-...news.sky.comCivil service union votes to double strike fund to prepare for Reform governmentThe PCS union has agreed to double its surplus to fund industrial action in the event of a "hostile" Reform government that could cut thousands of jobs, but has faced accusations of breaching civil se... 011
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Is 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. 020
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/05/2026As 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 · 14/05/2026Standing 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. 022
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/05/2026A 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. 030
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 07/05/2026As 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 · 06/05/2026As 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 · 23/04/2026Anyone 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 · 22/04/2026As 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 · 22/04/2026As 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 · 22/04/2026As 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 · 21/04/2026Anyone who watched Sir Olly give evidence today could see the passion and commitment he has for public service. 140
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 21/04/2026At 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 · 21/04/2026As 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 · 10/04/2026You 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 011
Reposted by Dave PenmanFDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 27/03/2026FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland @robertmurtagh1.bsky.social has responded to the written ministerial statement made by Minister for Education Paul Givan this afternoon: 012
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 26/03/2026Read our report here:fda.org.ukBack civil servants to ‘rewire Whitehall’, report urges - FDAInvolve civil servants and properly invest in AI to achieve the productivity and savings the government seeks, a new report from the FDA and the Fabian Society argues. 032
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 26/03/2026Refreshing 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 110
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/03/2026This report articulates practical recommendations for how to use AI to build a culture that will empower civil servants to unlock their creativity to provide for the public. Read the full report here: www.fda.org.uk/news/back-ci...fda.org.ukBack civil servants to ‘rewire Whitehall’, report urges - FDAInvolve civil servants and properly invest in AI to achieve the productivity and savings the government seeks, a new report from the FDA and the Fabian Society argues. 000
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Adopting 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 · 14/03/2026Another 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 092
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 14/03/2026Politicising the SCS would also mean the entire senior leadership changing when a new govt came in. Depts would lose institutional memory & it would inhibit the transition of power. It’s essentially choosing party over country, the very antithesis of why we have a permanent, impartial civil service. 031
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 11/03/2026It 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. 180
Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 09/03/2026After 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 000