Panel Approves Training Bill

A Senate panel on Thursday passed legislation that would require federal agencies to provide managers and supervisors with interactive training within one year of promotion to a supervisory position.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted to pass the bill (S. 674), which would provide training to supervisors based on three primary management topics: basic supervisory training, mentorship training and training focused on prohibited personnel practices and collective bargaining. After the initial training, supervisors would be required to receive refresher training once every three years, offered via an instructor or online.

The bill also would require the Office of Personnel Management to monitor agency implementation of the legislation and issue guidance to agencies on the competencies supervisors must meet to effectively manage the performance of their employees.

Three Virginia representatives on June 15 introduced similar legislation -- the 2010 Federal Supervisor Training Act -- to improve agency training programs.