OPM Beefs Up Training Programs

Alex Parker writes at Government Executive that the Office of Personnel Management has issued final regulations that require agencies to improve and monitor their training programs for managers more strictly. The rules, issued Thursday in the Federal Register, require agencies to train managers within one year of their appointment to a supervisory position on mentoring and employee development, conducting performance appraisals and dealing with poor performers. The regulations also call on agencies to set up a management succession program that grooms employees to replace current managers, and to track at least annually their progress toward closing workforce talent gaps.

OPM also called on agencies to beef up development programs within the 12-month Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, which agencies can use to fast-track SES candidates. Agencies also must establish programs to help exiting SES members, including creating executive development plans that allow executives to share experiences, according to the rules.

As a growing number of federal workers transition into retirement, improving federal training programs will be key to grooming the next generation of federal leaders, particularly in information technology fields. How will the new managerial training rules help your agency make a smooth transition as seasoned workers enter into retirement? What other programs could be helpful, particularly for IT professionals?