New SES Performance Appraisal System & Performance Plan & Guidance on Next Steps for Agencies to Implement Restoring Accountability for Career Senior Executives

This Office of Personnel Management memo created a new performance management system for career members of the Senior Executive Service (SES). The memo removes the prohibition on a forced distribution of performance ratings, and it mandates that certain career SES employees at the low end of a forced distribution be fired or transferred. The memo also prohibits certain bonuses or rates of pay for SES employees who do not receive top ratings. The memo adds certain substantive elements into SES performance evaluations, including elements on “commitment to the principles of the Founding” and “demonstrably support[ing] implementation of the President’s policy priorities.” It also mandated removal of all rating elements related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.