Workforce
Partnership for Public Service offers an alternative to “burning down” the civil service
The good government group traditionally has taken great pains to avoid partisan politics, but has become more outspoken since former President Trump unveiled Schedule F.
Management
Leaked Project 2025 training videos warn aspiring political appointees of ‘persecution’ by career feds
Though the videos don’t overtly discuss the Trump campaign or the Heritage Foundation-led transition project’s endorsement of Schedule F, conservatives repeatedly stressed the need for more “political control” of agencies.
Workforce
The importance of inclusivity in government agencies
COMMENTARY | Through small, thoughtful changes in practices, the federal government can create more welcoming environments for all individuals to improve public trust, engagement, and overall performance.
News
Here's new Democratic VP pick Walz's record on civil service issues
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz previously served in the House of Representatives for a dozen years where he became the top Democrat on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Workforce
Gen Z is underrepresented in the federal workforce. Here’s how some experts would fix that
People younger than 30 represent 7% of the full-time civil service despite being 20% of the overall U.S. labor force.
Workforce
Donald Trump wants to reinstate a spoils system in federal government by hiring political loyalists regardless of competence
COMMENTARY | The potential reemergence of Schedule F is not the first time a president has sought to install political loyalists in the federal civil service, but its impact could prove disastrous.
Workforce
Biden trashes Trump’s civil service plans in press conference
The president described Project 2025 and Schedule F threats to the United States’ democratic system during a press conference Thursday.
News
Schedule F looms over trust in government summit
New survey data from the Partnership for Public Service shows there is strong bipartisan support among the public for a nonpartisan civil service.
Management
State Department’s top ranks need more career staff, senators say
Lawmakers look to promote a more merit-based system for top diplomats.
Workforce
Bush-era national security officials warn against Schedule F
In a letter to congressional committee staff directors, a cadre of former Republican appointees urged lawmakers to pursue a “middle ground” of federal employee accountability that preserves merit systems principles.
Workforce
AG vows prosecution amid ‘unprecedented’ spike in threats against career civil servants
The Justice Department has set up a task force to investigate "heinous threats of violence" against federal workers.
Management
OPM reminds agencies of burrowing rules ahead of election season
All proposed appointments to career competitive service or Senior Executive Service positions must be reviewed by the federal government’s dedicated HR agency.
Workforce
Governance experts launch a group to oppose Schedule F
The new organization hopes to offer a consensus way forward on civil service reform issues in addition to opposing efforts to politicize the federal workforce.
Workforce
The Biden administration’s path to a green economy runs through Gen Z
COMMENTARY | The winning strategy? Engaging with young people where they are and paying them what they’re worth.
Management
Agencies need to consider alternative personnel systems
A new model for government is still to be developed, but history and the current problems make it clear the GS system is not the answer.
Workforce
Honesty is always the best policy, but it isn’t a silver bullet for security clearances
COMMENTARY | Candor isn’t helping the growing number of security clearance holders and applicants with drug use issues.
Workforce
How transforming federal workforce culture can enhance safety and productivity
COMMENTARY | It takes more than annual check-the-box training and motivational posters to bring about change.
Oversight
MSPB political firing case raises new questions on Schedule F
The Housing and Urban Development Department’s 2017 firing of a probationary employee over alleged leaks was politically motivated, the agency tasked with enforcing civil service laws said last week.
Workforce
Politicians may rail against the ‘deep state,’ but research shows federal workers are effective and committed, not subversive
COMMENTARY | "Our years of research about the people who work in the federal government finds that they care deeply about their work, aiding the public and pursuing the stability and integrity of government," write two scholars.
Workforce