Summary: In 1980-1981, the GAO Equal Employment Advisory Council reviewed at least 50 new personnel regulations and orders and provided comments on such regulations as: discrimination complaint procedures; equal employment opportunity; special emphasis advisory groups; upward mobility; and the table of disciplinary offenses and penalties. The Council worked with the new Personnel Appeals Board, monitored Appeals Board member selections, had its recommendations accepted on the Appeals Board selection process, participated in revising the competitive selection process, and commented on adjustments to the project teams approach. The Council feels that the training needs of newly hired support staff should be identified and satisfied. The Council recommended new leadership to strengthen the program and increase and broaden the number of opportunities in the Upward Mobility Program. The Council found that minorities and women together have annually increased their percentage of total selection for higher grade vacancies. However, in 1979-1980, minority selections dropped slightly, while white women selections continued to gain. The Council feels that minorities and women are still underrepresented at the higher grade levels of GAO. The Council recommended ways to improve GAO affirmative action planning, recommended that divisions and offices monitor the type and frequency of performance and career development counseling provided to their employees, and advised that GAO should continue inviting minorities and women to serve as Comptroller General's luncheon speakers and expert panelists.
