OPM also recommended that supervisors and managers work with employee resources staff as well as agency legal counsel to take appropriate disciplinary action.
Sound disciplinary actions are based on advice and guidance the supervisor or manager receives from those with expertise in taking and defending disciplinary actions, according to the report.
OPM said it found several agencies require supervisors and managers to consult with the ER office before taking disciplinary action, including obtaining their concurrence on all adverse action proposals and decision letters.
In one agency, a similar requirement was supplemented by an instruction for the personnel officer to consult with an appropriate staff attorney or the organization involved in litigating appeals or grievances on behalf of the agency, OPM said.
It added that when a supervisor or manager relies on advice from ER staff and legal counsel in taking disciplinary action, agencies can better ensure consistency in their disciplinary practices and the legal sufficiency of their cases.
