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"If Jon Burrows wants to criticize the minister for instructing his officials not to attend, he's absolutely entitled to do that. He is not entitled to ask a permanent secretary to defy an instruction from his minister" - @robertmurtagh1.bsky.social tells Good Morning Ulster

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Welcoming the decision to accept the FDA's application for statutory recognition, National Officer Robert Eagleton tells @law360.bsky.social that “a voluntary agreement is our preference", but that "if the FCA insists... on a statutory ballot, we are confident workers will vote for... recognition."

law360.co.uk

FCA Employee Unions Win OK To Pursue Recognition - Law360

A panel of arbitrators has decided that the Financial Conduct Authority must face two trade unions' joint application to collectively negotiate on behalf of almost all employees working for the regula...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

"We are concerned that this mandate is being implemented without any guidance in place for managers to apply this change effectively." FDA's Allan Sampson highlights our concerns around the timing and rollout of this policy to @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2661266...

heraldscotland.com

Scottish civil servants face losing home-working rights under new office crackdown

Scottish Government permanent secretary Joe Griffin has ordered civil servants back to the office at least 40 of the week, backed by a new location monitoring tool.

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Reposted by FDA Union

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’

054

Reposted by FDA Union

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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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

"It's not that we cannot afford regulation; it's that we cannot afford not to have it" FDA President Leila Kelly speaking in support of Motion 30 at TUC Congress, defending regulators and calling on the government to take an evidence-led approach to regulation and standards across the economy.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The FDA's Public Sector Development and Mentoring Scheme is at Coventry Job Shop today, with FDA member and HMRC tax professional Pru Orridge talking about careers in HMRC and supporting people to apply.

FDA member and HMRC tax professional Pru Orridge leads a session on supporting people to apply for roles in HMRC at Coventry Job Shop.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Our ‘meet the union’ masterclass is now underway - don’t worry if you couldn’t make it to today’s session, we will be hosting more events online over the coming weeks.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

We will be hosting a masterclass session at 4:30pm where you can hear firsthand about the benefits of membership, and our reps will answer any questions you have.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

FDA reps and staff are at Fast Stream Base Camp today - come and say hello to find out what FDA membership can do to support you throughout your time on the scheme and beyond, from career development to fighting for your pay, and much more. www.fda.org.uk/fda-at-fast-...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

“If we want government to even have a chance of succeeding between now and May, we must keep civil servants out of the political crossfire” @robertmurtagh1.bsky.social writes for @belfastlive.co.uk on the importance of protecting civil service impartiality amidst “febrile political atmosphere”.

belfastlive.co.uk

Robert Murtagh: Keep civil servants out of political crossfire

Writing for Belfast Live, Robert Murtagh, National Officer for the FDA in NI, argues that the impartiality of the civil service must not become collateral damage in a rising political temperature.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

In the latest edition of Public Service Magazine, hear from Scottish Government Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin on his plans for leading through a period of organisational contraction, and working with unions to shape change:

fda.org.uk

Agility of deployment - FDA

Tommy Newell speaks to Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government Joe Griffin about leading an organisation through contraction, working with unions to shape change, and the promise of AI to make ...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

If Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants a different political culture, he needs "to give up the decision making-powers on complaints under the Ministerial Code." Read the full opinion piece from @fdagensec.bsky.social in this summer's edition of Public Service Magazine. www.fda.org.uk/news/demonst...

fda.org.uk

Demonstration of integrity - FDA

If Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants a different political culture, he needs to start with the Ministerial Code says Dave Penman.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Discussing hybrid working, FDA National Officer Robert Eagleton tells @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, “the civil service is a workforce of over half a million people with very different roles, very different teams… what works for one person or one team might not work for another”.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

“During lockdown, a huge amount was delivered - furlough, a rapid vaccination rollout, an EU exit. So it’s just not true to say civil servants working from home aren’t productive”, FDA National Officer Robert Eagleton tells @listentotimesradio.bsky.social

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Introducing an independent process for dealing with bullying and harassment complaints about ministers would "give civil servants the confidence they need that, if they take the brave and difficult step of raising a complaint, it will be decided solely on the evidence”, says @fdagensec.bsky.social.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

FDA members, friends and family joining @FDA_NI to celebrate our LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues at Belfast Pride 2026

Four of FDA’s group at Belfast Pride wave purple FDA flags

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Responding to safety concerns at DWP's Crown House, FDA National Officer Matt Newman tells BBC News: "Crown House is fast becoming one of the most unsafe government buildings... yet the DWP continues to be reluctant to engage constructively with us, particularly regarding longer-term solutions."

bbc.co.uk

Extra security at Grimsby DWP office after windows smashed

Union bosses claim Crown House in Grimsby has been targeted multiple times over the past two years.

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Reposted by FDA Union

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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Reposted by FDA Union

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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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Jane Runeckles, National Officer for FDA Cymru | Wales, has been elected President of @tuccymru.bsky.social www.fda.org.uk/news/fda-jan...

Quote from FDA National Officer Jane Runeckles: “I look forward to the opportunity to work with TUC Cymru General Secretary Laura Doel, Vice President Jess Turner, and the staff of TUC Cymru to ensure that we can build strong relationships with the new political leadership and make sure our voice is heard at this crucial time for all of our members.”

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Reposted by FDA Union

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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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Olly Robbins, represented by the FDA, has today issued proceedings requesting a Judicial Review of his dismissal. See our full statement below:

Text of statement from FDA:

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.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Responding to Ofsted's plans to use AI to summarise survey responses, National Officer Matt Newman tells @schoolsweek.bsky.social the FDA "will need to work closely with Ofsted to ensure that these tools are not detrimental in the longer term to our members and ultimately to parents and children."

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Responding to an incident of vandalism at DWP's Crown House offices, FDA National Officer Matt Newman tells @grimsbytelegraph.co.uk: "In light of this incident the department must now look to implement the significant security upgrades the FDA has demanded as a matter of urgency."

grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Staff at DWP offices sent home after vandals 'smash windows with catapult'

Mre than 400 staff at Crown House on Nelson Street in Grimsby worked from home due to vandals smashing windows

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

"The challenge now is ensuring that greater flexibility does not come at the expense of consistency. It must preserve high expectations for every child, regardless of background." FDA National Officer Matt Newman for @schoolsweek.bsky.social on proposed reforms to Ofsted inspection framework:

schoolsweek.co.uk

What Ofsted reforms look like from an inspector’s viewpoint

The latest changes must ensure that greater flexibility does not come at the expense of consistency

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

"Excessive workloads are already a huge issue for many of our members in Ofsted. If more monitoring inspections are being pushed towards HMI then Ofsted need to ensure there is adequate resourcing in place." FDA National Officer Matt Newman tells @tesmagazine.bsky.social

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

"The broader inspection framework should ensure every school is held accountable for creating an inclusive environment where all children can succeed." FDA National Officer Matt Newman writes to @theguardian.com on Ofsted's role in addressing the literacy crisis in schools:

theguardian.com

How to solve the literacy crisis in schools | Letters

Letters: Readers respond to a report that disadvantaged white children have lower reading fluency than other groups, leading to disengagement and school absence

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

"The future of public services should not be a choice between people and technology. The real opportunity lies in combining the strengths of both." FDA National Officer Matt Newman outlines concerns around DBT's AI-enabled restructuring programme for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social.

civilserviceworld.com

Technology cannot replace trust: The concerning implications of DBT's 'AI-enabled' restructure

Civil service reform must be done with staff, not to them

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

"It is vital that none of this detracts from securing action for pensioners facing financial hardship. Those who have served the public throughout their working lives deserve nothing less". FDA responds to the govt's "enforcment plan" for pensions crisis. www.civilserviceworld.com/news/article...

civilserviceworld.com

Pension scheme crisis: Cabinet Office sets out ‘enforcement’ plan

“Immediate technical intervention” will see independent auditors probe “system integrity” of Civil Service Pension Scheme as new DG is also appoint...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Today FDA members - plus their friends and family - joined the celebrations and marched as part of Pride in London 🏳️‍🌈

FDA members take part in Pride in London

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

At this year’s TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in Brighton, FDA delegates moved a motion on improving the uptake of sexual health vaccinations and spoke on a number of motions, including ending LGBT+ workplace bullying and harassment. Find out more: www.fda.org.uk/news/fda-del...

fda.org.uk

FDA delegation attends TUC LGBT+ Workers' Conference 2026 - FDA

An FDA delegation attended this year's TUC LGBT+ Workers' Conference in Brighton.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

“Working in partnership with employers is how we deliver what FDA members want from their union, influence over their world of work. It strengthens our influence without compromising our ability to challenge if necessary." @fdagensec.bsky.social on new Partnership Framework with the Cabinet Office.

civilserviceworld.com

Civil service unions agree partnership framework with Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office and trade unions will endeavour to treat others with respect in all means of communication and approach civil service workforce issu...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

“You’d have ministers allowing their depts to grow to deal with the consequences of the policy they supported & then, at the same time, attacking the civil service for growing.” @fdagensec.bsky.social on the unacknowledged resource implications of Brexit www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...

civilserviceworld.com

Ten years on from the vote to leave the EU, how has Brexit shaped the civil service?

Ten years ago to this day, the UK public voted to leave the European Union, heaping an almighty challenge on government’s shoulders. What lasting e...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

"Across any number of policy areas, stability and long-term planning is the key to delivering better and more efficient public services.” @fdagensec.bsky.social tells @listentotimesradio.bsky.social

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Congratulations to winner of the FDA Impact Award, DWP rep Matthew Brown, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours. Read more about the Impact Award on the FDA website: fda.org.uk/news/fda-dwp... Reports from the other 2026 ADC award winners will be coming soon.

fda.org.uk

FDA DWP rep Matthew Brown receives 2026 Individual Impact Award - FDA

The 2026 FDA individual Impact Award went to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rep Matthew Brown, recognising his ongoing work to improve health and safety across DWP offices.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

"You cannot separate the performance and culture of the civil service from the political and governance environment in which it operates". @robertmurtagh1.bsky.social gives oral evidence to the Assembly Committee for Finance's inquiry into performance and culture of the NICS.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Following the publication of the FDA's own report looking at the experiences of carers in the civil service, the FDA will be contributing to the government's consultation and we encourage members to engage with the consultation process. #CarersWeek www.gov.uk/government/c...

gov.uk

Make Work Pay: employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children

We are seeking views on the employment rights that are available to people with unpaid caring responsibilities and parents who have a seriously ill child.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

"Everyone in education wants the same thing: better experiences and outcomes for all children, including those with SEND and other vulnerable students. HMIs are no different." FDA National Officer Matt Newman writes for @tesmagazine.bsky.social www.tes.com/magazine/ana...

tes.com

What Ofsted inspectors really think about inclusion

A union leader representing Ofsted HMIs says that, when considering inclusion, the views of inspectors must not be left out of accountability debates

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

To mark #CarersWeek, the FDA have today published a new report, which uses the experiences of our members with caring responsibilities to understand the working lives of carers in the civil service and highlight the barriers they face. Find out more 👇 www.fda.org.uk/news/changin...

fda.org.uk

86% of carers are not aware of their civil service employer complying with new regulations, FDA report finds - FDA

To mark Carers Week, the FDA have published a new report, Changing Perceptions: Helping carers in the civil service reach their potential, which uses the experiences of our members with caring respons...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

6 months on from the transfer to Capita, FDA's Adrian Prandle spoke to @civilserviceworld.bsky.social about the ongoing pensions crisis, cautioning that he is “hopeful but not confident” that Capita will hit contractual service levels by the end of June. www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...

civilserviceworld.com

‘Everybody agrees it’s appalling, but there’s no end in sight’: The Civil Service Pension Scheme crisis

Six months on from the disastrous transfer to Capita, CSW speaks to pensioners, bereaved beneficiaries, unions, and taskforce chief Angela MacDonal...

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

“Failure to act will only serve to undermine public confidence in the government.” @robertmurtagh1.bsky.social calls on Pat Sheehan to apologise, & for the First Minister to make clear that Sheehan saying Stormont officials “tell lies” & “gaslight” is unacceptable. www.irishnews.com/news/norther...

irishnews.com

Union boss urges First Minister to condemn MLA who said officials ‘tell lies to committees’

Trade union chiefs have called on First Minister Michelle O’Neill to condemn remarks by a Sinn Féin MLA who accused officials of lying to Assembly committees.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

"The idea that at least half of so-called ‘back-office professions’ can be cut with no detrimental impact on services is just not credible.” - @fdagensec.bsky.social www.civilserviceworld.com/news/article...

civilserviceworld.com

Reform UK’s civil service plans dubbed a ‘recipe for chaos’

Blueprint for change eyes scrapping Cabinet Office, significantly cutting policy, comms and HR jobs – but drafting in more spads

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Pay progression for Senior Civil Servants is welcome, but remains ‘top pay priority’ for other grades after ‘lack of meaningful change for two decades’

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