Chief Human Capital Officers Council

The Trump administration is urging agencies to focus on two often overlooked populations populations to fill federal vacancies: military spouses and formerly incarcerated individuals.

In today’s Federal Newscast, after the Veterans Affairs Department second attempt at firing the director of its DC facility, VA’s case against Brian Hawkins is reportedly falling apart.

Agencies have also said they’re beginning to evolve and mature their views on how they can improve employee engagement.

The director of the Office of Personnel Management said he wants to restore the importance of the Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Jeff Pon has asked agency and department heads to put very senior level representatives on the council that strategizes human resource policy for government employees.

In today’s Federal Newscast, the Government Accountability Office said it’s launching its new electronic bid protest docketing system May 1.

The Obama administration released new guidance designed to officially codify the feedback its heard from agencies during the Hiring Excellence campaign and put them on path to use those lessons to improve federal hiring.

In the Office of Personnel Management’s latest report on employment of people with disabilities, the number of federal employees increased between 2013 and 2014 by about 13,200 people.

The Office of Personnel Management is recommending teleworking for agencies Aug. 4-6, to avoid road restrictions and delays caused by the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Due to the size of the event, OPM expects heavy traffic congestion in the city during the three days and suggests employees and agencies leaders prepare.

The Federal Salary Council will submit to the Federal Pay Agent in the coming weeks a recommendation to increase the number of localities that get special pay rates. OPM also will release the annual report on how much time federal employees spend on union activities during working hours. CHCO Council will also consider certification process for HR employees.

The congressional ritual of punting budget work into the next fiscal year has helped agencies prepare their workforces for sequestration. Managers have learned much over the past few years about preparing contingency plans.