Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Apr
22
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law
Apr 22 – Apr 25 all-day

Event Description

FELTG’s annual Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law has a simple mission — to  ensure the Federal workplace is accountable, that it looks more like the America it serves, and that you have all of the necessary tools to make this happen. Whether you’re an HR professional, attorney, supervisor, advisor, or an EEO or ER/LR specialist, you’ll find useful guidance in multiple events this week.

This year’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law aims to help you succeed in the the Federal workplace circa 2024. We’ll guide you through the ever-changing law, share the steps for succeeding with up-and-down performers, provide guidance on how to make your team more resilient, offer tips for ensuring equity in hiring, and much more.

With 7 unique sessions over 4 days, FELTG’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law offers an opportunity to receive guidance with a fresh perspective. And many sessions offer opportunities to pick up CLE or EEO refresher credits.

Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law provides benefits you just can’t get from online virtual training providers. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for the whole program.  Also, the training is presented LIVE by FELTG’s experienced and respected instructors, who will answer your questions, so you get answers in real time. Don’t put off getting the important training you need.

Download Individual Registration Form

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Download Individual Registration Form

 

Monday, April 22, 2024

Session 1
2 – 4 pm ET
What They’re Saying: MSPB, EEOC, and FLRA Case Law Update
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

 

 

 

Course description: FELTG’s annual Emerging Issues Conference kicks off with a two-hour dive into the most significant caselaw coming out of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), and the Federal Circuit. These Federal employment law cases impact your day-to-day work, so join us and learn how to ensure a discrimination-free workplace and take effective action on performance and conduct that will hold up to third-party scrutiny.  Earn 2 CLE credits. 1

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Evaluate the significance of the recent case decisions in Federal employment law.
  • Avoid mistakes in performance and conduct actions.
  • Identify and immediately address potential discrimination.

.


Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Session 2
11 am – 1 pm ET
What Exactly is Undue Hardship Anymore?
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

 

 

 

Course Description:The Supreme Court upended decades of precedent in its unanimous decision Groff v. DeJoy. This is a big change for the concept of undue hardship in religious accommodation, experts say. But is it really? And how does it differ when it comes to reasonable accommodations for disability or pregnancy? Mr. Woods will deconstruct the distinctions between accommodations and explain the legal ramifications of each. Earn 2 CLE credits. 

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand how an agency can prove undue hardship – and how it cannot.
  • Describe the differences between undue hardship for religious, disability, and pregnancy accommodations.
  • Handle employees’ requests to be excused from performing certain job tasks because of religious reasons.

 


Session 3
2 – 4 pm ET 
Driving Resilience and Mental Wellbeing in the Federal Workplace
Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

 

 

 

Course Description: A successful team is one that can handle unexpected and stressful situations. How do you build that kind of resilience among your employees? Ms. Palmieri will explain the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace as well as how to manage toxic and other difficult employees who derail team success.

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand mental well-being in the workplace.
  • Reduce toxic dynamics.
  • Implement strategies to retain and attract a high-functioning team.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Session 4
11 am – 1 pm ET
Equity in Hiring 
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

 

 

 

Course Description: This session will provide step-by-step guide for ensuring fair treatment and nondiscrimination in every phase of your hiring process, from developing selection criteria, through recruitment and all the way to the conditional offer, with a special focus on structured interviews that are fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory. You will leave this class with the keys and tools for creating a well-qualified workforce, while avoiding the mistakes that have befallen many other agencies. Plus, you’ll learn how to best defend against allegations of discriminatory hiring.  Earn 2 CLE credits. 2

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Conduct effective and equitable structured interviews.
  • Identify problematic interview questions.
  • Recognize bias in the hiring process.

Session 5
2 – 4 pm ET
Engagement to Motivation — the FEVS and Beyond
Presented by Susan Schneider, EdM, MS, FELTG Instructor

 

 

 

Course description: Employee Engagement (EE) is vital to meet today’s challenges in the Federal workplace. Each year, agencies receive an EE score, based upon a survey done months before. The data is limited, particularly for regulatory organizations in the spotlight. This course describes the limitations of the EE score and examines the link between engagement, motivation, and leveraging employees’ strengths. Participants will explore realistic strategies for increasing engagement and creating tailored, timely measures of EE.

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of engagement and motivation.
  • Explain the limitations of FEVS’ measurement of employee engagement.
  • Create realistic strategies for increasing engagement, including opportunities for employees to use their strengths.
  • Produce tailored and timely measures of engagement.

 


Thursday, April 25, 2024

Session 6
11 am – 1 pm
Say Whaaat?!? Respectful Communication in the Workplace
Presented by Roslyn Brown, President/CEO at EEO Workplace Strategies

 

 

 

Course description: Subtle and overt language, joking, off-handed comments, and offensive comments and gestures can lead to a hostile work environment. And that includes ill-advised, even if not ill-intentioned, phrases such as “hold down the fort” and “low man on the totem pole.” Being a respectful communicator means more than just not offending anyone, it also means taking preventive measures to tailor your communication to avoid misunderstandings, irrespective of the cultural and ethnic differences that we all bring into the workplace. Roslyn Brown will not only explain why certain phrases are troublesome but show you what to do when something offensive is said. 2

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize cultural expressions that are offensive to people in protected classes.
  • Explain the importance of a respectful workplace in complying with the Executive Order on Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Federal workplace.
  • Intervene effectively when offensive comments are made in the workplace.

 


Session 7
2 – 4 pm ET
Managing Chronic Performance and Conduct Issues
Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

 

 

 

Course description: Whether it’s up-and-down roller coaster performers or repeat offenders of misconduct, chronically challenging employees eat up time, create workplace stress, and dampen productivity. And it will only get worse until you address the issue. FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will share the tools necessary to address performance issues and lay the groundwork for progressive discipline. Attendees will leave with the confidence to swiftly address poor-performing and misbehaving employees.

Course objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Differentiate between performance problems and misconduct.
  • Manage an employee’s wide swings of performance.
  • Effectively apply progressive discipline.

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 22):
    • Per Session = $345
    • April 22-25 All Access  = $1995
  • Standard Tuition (register March 23-April 25)
    • Per Session = $385
    • April 22-25 All Access = $2295
  • Rates per registrant and may not be used for groups under any circumstances. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
    • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
  • Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
    • Each session is approved for 2 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through March 22.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

 

Apr
30
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Apr 30 – May 2 all-day

Course Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. Learn to conduct investigations virtually, as more are done since the pandemic. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.



Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play into an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
  • Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
  • Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
  • Identify witness rights and management rights.
  • Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
  • Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
  • Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.


Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 31): One Session = $495  |  Two Sessions = $825  |  Full Event = $1095
  • Standard Tuition (register April 1 or later): One Session = $595  |  Two Sessions = $925  |  Full Event = $1195
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through March 31. Contact FELTG.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through March 31.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jul
24
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Misconduct Investigations: Get Them Right from the Start
Jul 24 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Description

Any effective misconduct investigation starts with a solid foundation of the law and an understanding of the full scope of your investigation.

In this two-hour class, Ann Boehm will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct and harassment, including the five elements of discipline, evidence standards, burdens of proof, and more. She’ll share guidance on developing the investigation, from creating a plan to determining who to interview and gathering relevant documents.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
  • Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.
  • Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment.

 

Date and Time

July 24, 2024, 1 – 3 pm ET

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by June 24): $345
  • Standard Tuition (register June 25-July 24): $385
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through June 24. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through June 24. 

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
19
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Workplace Investigations Week
Aug 19 – Aug 23 all-day

Course Description

This week of FELTG training focuses on conducting administrative investigations in the Federal workplace with an emphasis on employee misconduct, including workplace harassment. After an overview of the substantive law, participants will learn procedures and best practices for conducting administrative investigations, including understanding what constitutes misconduct, the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment, planning the investigation, fact finding, collecting evidence, dealing with witnesses, understanding types of questioning, and testifying at hearing. The week concludes with a day focused on writing an investigative report.

Special content will also discuss conducting investigations post-pandemic, including tips for interviewing witnesses virtually, addressing safety concerns during in-person interviewing and evidence gathering, and more.

Note: This class includes breakout discussions and workshops, and attendees are encouraged to participate via audio. Because of the interactive nature of this program attendance is limited, so register early to guarantee your spot.

The program runs 12:30 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.

Daily Agenda

Monday, August 19, 2024

Administrative Investigations: The Substantive Basis: Why investigate; discipline law and elements; understanding charges of misconduct; collecting penalty evidence; law behind other types of administrative investigations; witness rights; union representation.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Harassment Investigations: Investigating allegations of harassment; differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; the latest on LGBTQ+ discrimination; overlapping forms of discrimination.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Conducting the Investigation, Part I: Evidentiary principles; purpose of investigation; preparing for the investigation; role of the investigator; planning the investigation. beginning the interview.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Conducting the Investigation, Part II: Conducting the interview; handling difficult witnesses; assessing credibility/lies/hearing what isn’t said; body language; gathering other evidence; technology and investigations; high profile case considerations; testifying at an administrative hearing; rules for being an effective witness.

Friday, August, 23, 2024

Writing the Investigative Report: Organizing for the report; establishing the chronology; writing for your audience; report writing style; report writing conventions; report organization; sample report.

Date and Time

August 19-23, 2024

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Robert Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 19):

  • 5 days = $1695
  • 4 days = $1465
  • 3 days = $1095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard Tuition (register July 20-August 23):

  • 5 days = $1795
  • 4 days = $1565
  • 3 days = $1195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 19.
Sep
16
Mon
Virtual Training Event – EEOC Law Week
Sep 16 – Sep 20 all-day

Course Description

An increase in reasonable accommodation requests based on religion, disability, and pregnancy. Continued focus of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Way too many harassment complaints.  The usual areas of confusion, such as contractor complaints, mixed cases. FELTG’s EEOC Law Week runs the gamut of EEO issues, providing usable and up-to-date guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level.

This in-depth training from FELTG instructors, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, provides a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the Federal government.

And it provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive refresher training hours. If you work in EEO at all, this is the class for you.

3.5 per day (Tuesday-Friday)

Monday, September 16

Basic EEOC: Nuts & Bolts: Course topics: Statutory authority and jurisdiction of EEOC; an overview of the theories of discrimination; overview of the EEO process; amended and consolidated complaints; timeliness issues in the wake of the Supreme Court decisions in Morgan and Ledbetter.

Tuesday, September 17

Contractor Complaints; Intentional Discrimination; Reprisal Cases: Course topics: The agency’s role and obligations when a contractor files an EEO complaint; intentional discrimination analysis and cases; selection and promotion cases; reprisal analysis and case updates.

Wednesday, September 18

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities: Course topics: The Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, defining individual with a disability, understanding major life activities and substantial limitations; identifying essential job functions; the legal requirements for the interactive process; types of reasonable accommodation; the latest on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and relevant regulations.

Thursday, September 19

Current Trends in EEO Law: A Focus on Harassment: Course topics: The very latest on what’s happening in EEO; hostile environment harassment; gender stereotyping; same-sex harassment; recent court decisions on sexual orientation and transgender discrimination including the SCOTUS decision Bostock v. Clayton County; non-EEO harassment; settling EEO cases.

Friday, September 20

Mixed Cases; Damages & Remedies: Course topics: Understanding the world of mixed cases; overview of equitable remedies: back pay, front pay, reinstatement; non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages; past and future damages; damages offsets; the duty to mitigate damages; collateral sources and pre-existing conditions; multiple causations of harm; the eggshell complainant.

Date and Time

September 16-20, 2024

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Robert Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by August 16):

  • 5 days = $1695
  • 4 days = $1465
  • 3 days = $1095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard Tuition (register August 17 – September 20):

  • 5 days = $1795
  • 4 days = $1565
  • 3 days = $1195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through August 16.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Oct
1
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Oct 1 – Oct 3 all-day

Course Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. Learn to conduct investigations virtually, as more are done since the pandemic. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.



Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of Federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play into an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the relationship between the foundations of Federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
  • Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
  • Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
  • Identify witness rights and management rights.
  • Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
  • Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
  • Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.


Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by September 1): One Session = $495  |  Two Sessions = $825  |  Full Event = $1095
  • Standard Tuition (register September 2-October 3): One Session = $595  |  Two Sessions = $925  |  Full Event = $1195
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through September 1. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through September 1.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

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