NIH Resources for Mandatory Supervisory Training
It's no secret that supervisory skills can make or break a manager. Supervisory development is under the spotlight across the federal government, as OPM recently amended its training and development regulations pertaining to the Federal Workforce Flexibility Act. In addition, HHS will soon be finalizing guidance further defining supervisory training.
What are the requirements?
As part of a succession and performance management strategy, the OPM amendment* requires that new scientific and administrative supervisors receive formal training in the initial twelve months of their new roles as supervisors. In addition, retraining is required every three years. Training must at a minimum cover actions, options, and strategies addressing unacceptable performance, mentoring employees, employee performance improvement and productivity, and conducting employee performance appraisals. HHS policy 
brings in the following additional mandatory training topic areas for new supervisors:
- Human resource staffing
- PMAP
- Performance management
- Employee and labor relations
- Leave administration
- HHS enterprise systems
- Work life quality
- Employee viewpoint input
In addition, an NIH cross-IC Supervisory Training Committee has clarified these regulations by developing NIH-specific guidance. The committee continues to meet to further support these efforts, and reach out to the NIH community.
Where can I take supervisory training?
A new course meeting the OPM regulations and HHS guidance is currently available through the NIH Training Center: NIH-Supervisory Essentials Training. In addition, a refresher course is available: Supervisory Refresher. Individual IC’s may offer courses and/or programs meeting the above areas.
Find more information on other Management, Supervisory and Leadership Development courses that the NIH Training Center offers.
What other resources are available to me?
For Supervisors and Administrators:
- Supervisory Training Requirements Overview presentation
- NIH Guidance
- IC Mandatory Training Coordinator Points of Contact
- Recommended Course Listing (for new supervisors)
- New Supervisor Training Tracking and Reporting Template
- LMS Tips Sheets
- Attendance Waiver Request Form
- Extension Request Form
Refresher Training Resources
