FDA Internship

For over a century the FDA has been a strong, pragmatic trade union representing public sector leaders and professionals working in the civil service and parliaments across the UK. The FDA is not party-political and seeks to improve members’ working lives and the public services they deliver through negotiating and campaigning. FDA members come from a variety of different professions including policy advisors in Whitehall, prosecutors, economists, diplomats, lawyers and tax professionals. The FDA has membership within over 250 civil and public service employers across the UK.

The FDA is the fastest growing trade union in the UK. We are an exciting and vibrant union with many different opportunities to improve the working lives of FDA members. Recently, the FDA has been involved with defending civil servants against attacks on their impartiality; leading the campaign for a new system to be in place for dealing with Ministerial misconduct against civil servants and making the case for fair pay for civil servants. We believe that public services – and those who work in them – matter. We stand up for our members and strive to improve their working lives, and seek to help them make the most of their careers.

This internship would suit a student or recent graduate with an interest in developing a career either within the trade union movement, or more broadly in advocacy, campaigns, government relations, research or communications. No prior experience is needed, but an interest in current affairs, politics or trade unions is welcome. You may be studying a related field (although this is not a requirement) or just be interested in gaining work experience in the sector, either way we would love to hear from you.

This is a full-time six-week internship, starting on the 14th July 2025. While occasional travel to our office in London Bridge will be necessary, this role offers flexibility, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to work independently from home – as such we welcome applicants from across the UK. Any associated travel costs would be covered and we are very open to discussing and accommodating individual circumstances where possible.

You will work closely with one of our Assistant General Secretaries who will manage and mentor you throughout your internship and work closely with one of our Communications Officers. You will also work closely with other union staff and the leadership team.

You will be working on a project exploring the future world of work for the civil service. Better use of AI and technology in public services has the potential to transform the state. However, the government’s approach to digitisation has been driven mostly by cost-cutting. The risk of this is that the civil service as a workforce is disengaged and the benefits that could be realised by the use of AI and tech for workers are not realised. This project will look at what an alternative model could be and set out how we can harness digital technology in the civil service to boost productivity, improve public services and enhance pay and job quality.

This will involve conducting desk-based research, drafting content and supporting with event logistics. We’ll also provide opportunities for our intern to meet with senior stakeholders, get a good understanding of how a busy, proactive union operates and see how government and the civil service operates.

The deadline for applications is Friday 27th June at 12noon. To apply, please send your CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) via the button below with the subject line ‘Internship application’.