Standard 3.1

Standard statement

The agency shall have an equal employment opportunity declaration or policy.

Discussion

The equal employment opportunity plan should ensure equal opportunities for employment and employment conditions. The equal employment opportunity plan (EEO) should be based on an annual analysis of the agency’s present employment policies, practices, and procedures relevant to their effective impact on the employment and utilization of all employees (i.e., includes civilian employees). The EEO plan, which may be produced in the form of a written directive, may contain such provisions as: (1) a strongly worded statement from the agency’s CEO that it is agency policy to ensure that all individuals should be given equal opportunity for employment, regardless of race, sex, creed, color, age, religion, national origin, or physical impairment; (2) a procedure for filing complaints relating to EEO; and (3) specific action steps that the agency should take to ensure equal employment opportunity is a reality, such as advertising as an “equal opportunity employer” or providing applications or testing processes at decentralized, easily accessible locations. The policies related to sexual harassment in the workplace may also be incorporated into the agency’s overall EEO effort.

The discussion clarifies intent and is not a binding part of the standard. For assessment purposes you are required to comply only with the standard statement.