Using Laws, Regulations, and Operating Guidance Course

Module 1: How Policy Is Established

• Overview of how federal policies are created, from Congress or the President to agency implementation.
• The process of drafting, finalizing, and publishing proposed regulations.
• Understanding the role of agencies like OPM in shaping federal HR policy.

Module 2: The Law (United States Code)

• Familiarizing with Title 5 of the United States Code (5 USC), covering federal HR law.
• Understanding the structure of 5 USC and how it governs federal employee rights and responsibilities.
• Reviewing key sections related to employment, pay, leave, and performance in federal HR.

Module 3: Executive Orders and Regulations

• Learning the importance of Executive Orders and their role in federal HR management.
• Understanding the regulations published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), particularly 5 CFR.
• Exploring the connection between laws, Executive Orders, and regulations for effective HR management.

Module 4: OPM Operating Manuals and Handbooks

• Reviewing the function and content of OPM's operating manuals and handbooks.
• Exploring agency-specific policies that supplement federal HR regulations and provide additional guidance.
• Understanding the role of OPM in maintaining HR policies across federal agencies.

Module 5: Using Laws and Regulations

• Learning how to apply the law and regulations together for effective federal HR management.
• Exploring specific examples of how to use legal and regulatory frameworks in daily HR tasks.
• Understanding the need to balance flexibility and guidance in HR decision-making.

Module 6: Using Operating Guidance

• Exploring the role of governing agencies like OPM, MSPB, FLRA, and EEOC in providing operating guidance.
• Learning how to apply operating guidance in the context of specific HR issues, like attendance and leave policies.
• Understanding how agency-specific policies impact HR decisions and employee rights.

Module 7: Putting It All Together

• Applying knowledge of laws, regulations, and operating guidance to practical HR situations.
• Using case studies to reinforce the use of federal HR frameworks in decision-making.
• Reviewing real-world examples to illustrate how HR practitioners can navigate legal and regulatory challenges.