As a federal employee, you play a critical role in delivering vital public services. You provide nonpartisan expertise to political leaders, maintain continuity across presidential administrations and uphold a constitutional oath to serve the public good.  

Right now, there are a lot of questions swirling about what it means to be a federal employee and the role of the career workforce. These issues can be challenging to navigate, especially during the start of a new administration.   

The Partnership for Public Service is here, as it has been for more than 20 years, to support you–the federal employee–so you can continue to serve the public and uphold your oath of office.
 
This hub is a resource for you to answer the questions we are frequently asked about how various proposals may affect federal employees, to create a safe space for information sharing and community building, and most of all, to respond to what you need in this moment and in the months to come. 

About the Partnership for Public Service

The Partnership for Public Service is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to building a better government and a stronger democracy.  

Schedule F

What is Schedule F?

• Schedule F was a new federal employment category, or “schedule,” established by the first Trump administration via executive order. The order permitted agency leaders to reassign some federal positions from their current schedule into a new schedule.  
• The executive order was broadly directed at career federal employees in policymaking roles. The order did not define these roles more specifically and left unclear exactly which categories of employees would be affected. 
  • See more under “How do I know if Schedule F will apply to me?” below.  
• President Biden revoked the order before any employees were reclassified, so it is not currently in effect.  
• Schedule F employees would have had fewer employment protections, making them easier to fire. The order also would have allowed agencies to hire employees into Schedule F positions without competitive service selection procedures such as merit-based hiring rules and examinations. 

Supporting Civil Servants Through Times of Change

The public benefits from a career civil service that knows how to navigate presidential transitions. But how can public servants take care of themselves and one another during times of change? Former career executives offer tips for self-care and best practices for supporting their teams in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Navigating Times of Change and Transition 

How can career civil servants navigate a change in administration? Hint: Leadership matters. Listen to former career executives share their experiences leading through change.

Leading Through Complex Situations and Building Trust

Career civil servants help ensure smooth presidential transitions. But change can bring uncertainty and instability to the government. Thankfully, former civil servants have a playbook to offer, including how to establish trust with an incoming administration.

80%

of federal employees work outside
the Washington, D.C. area.

30%

of federal employees are veterans.

70%

of federal employees work in defense
and national security-related agencies.

14%

of federal employees work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) occupations.

The following resources provide data and information about federal employees, agencies and the government’s work. 

This database highlights hundreds of career civil servants who have made significant contributions to our country. From protecting public health and defending our national security to addressing climate change and supporting our economic well-being, their achievements showcase the vital importance of our government and the nonpartisan civil service to the public good.