Washington, D.C. 20530
October 23, 2001
MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU PERSONNEL OFFICERS
FROM: Joanne W. Simms
SUBJECT: Individual Learning Accounts
This memorandum provides guidance to Department of Justice (DOJ) components regarding implementing an Individual Learning Account (ILA) program. An ILA is a specified amount of resources such as dollars, hours, or learning technology tools that are set aside for an individual employee to use for learning and development.
The attached memorandum, "Individual Learning Accounts" from Kay Coles James, Director, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides OPM's results of the ILA pilot and guidance in implementing a program. Note that some of the web addresses in the memo have changed. We recommend you go to the OPM web site http://www.opm.gov/hrd/lead/ILA/ilarpind.htm for current ILA information.
The Department's Human Resources Order DOJ 1200.1 - Part 5 Workforce Development http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/ps/chpt5-1.html states that the Attorney General's training approval authority is delegated under 28 CFR 0.153 to Bureau heads, who may further delegate to the appropriate level. Continuing this policy, authority to create and implement ILAs is also available to bureaus and delegated components.
Copies of all initiating and implementing plans along with subsequent reports should be provided to the Justice Management Division, Director, Personnel Staff. If you have any questions regarding ILAs or this guidance contact Chuck Howell, JMD, Personnel Staff, Policy Group at 202-616-3726 or by email at Charles.M.Howell2@usdoj.gov.
Septemper 7, 2001
MEMORANDUM FOR HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FROM: KAY COLES JAMESThe Office of Personnel Management has been working with Federal agencies to develop innovative individual learning account (ILA) pilot programs that focus on enhancing skills and expertise related to performance on-the-job and that could be implemented with existing resources. Twelve agencies participated in the initiative, implementing 15 different pilots.
The pilot agencies found that ILAs made training more visible in their organizations and helped highlight the connection between training, workforce development and strategic planning. In addition, ILAs fostered management and staff involvement in continuous learning decisions resulting in skill development that is integrated with organizational goals. After assessing their pilots, agencies enthusiastically concluded that implementing ELAs across Government would be beneficial.
In light of the experience gained through this pilot and the pilot agencies' conclusion, OPM recommends that you seriously consider implementing an ILA in your agency. We believe if used widely and effectively, learning accounts for individuals can significantly help in our efforts to attract and retain skilled employees. The capability to shape ILA use to the unique needs of each agency gives it unlimited potential as a workforce development and learning tool for the 21st Century.
Attached is guidance that will assist you in your implementation efforts. You can access the Report on the ILA Pilot Initiative: A Tool for the 21stCentury on http://www.opm.gov/hrd/lead/ilarpt.htm. The report provides a summary of the agency pilot programs and their results. If you need additional information or assistance, please have your staff contact Michael Fitzgerald, Chief, Leadership and Policy Division, at 606-5182, or via e-mail at mafitzge@opm.gov.
Page created October 26, 2001
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