Purpose

This subchapter is a training guide and a reference guide to assist supervisors and managers in handling matters related to employee conduct. It will provide easy to understand guidance on: 

• How to differentiate between conduct and performance issues;

• Where to get assistance with an employee problems;

• How to counsel and document properly;

• Alternatives to traditional discipline; and

• How to correct employee misconduct problems.

Overview of 
Subchapter 
Sections

The following table gives an overview of the sections in this subchapter:

IF YOU NEED INFORMATION ABOUT:

SEE SECTION:

Who are Employee Relations Specialists?

A

How Misconduct & Performance Actions Differ

B

General Guidance for Supervisors

C

How to Properly Counsel an Employee

D

How to Document Properly

E

Alternatives to Traditional Discipline

F

Actions to Correct Misconduct

G

How to Select a Disciplinary Penalty

H

Legal and Regulatory Requirements 

I

What are Prohibited Personnel Practices

J

Other Personnel Actions Under Different Regulations

K

Supervisory Training 

L

Definitions of Terms

Related 
Regulations

The following regulations/references will assist you in dealing with disciplinary or alternative actions:

SUBJECT

REGULATION

DESCRIPTION

Disciplinary or Alternative Actions

Directives for:
FGIS 365.1
P&SA 470.2

Agency policy and guidance

Conduct and Responsibilities 

Directives for:
APHIS 4735.1
FGIS 361.1
P&SA 470.1 

Subchapter 4735 of Human Resources Desk Guide

Agency regulations for all employees
 

Guidance for Supervisors

Adverse Actions (or disciplinary actions)

5 CFR Part 752

Explains Federal regulations and procedures

Terminating Temporary Employees

5 CFR Part 315 & Section K in this guide

Explains how to terminate employees on temporary appointments

Separating Probationary Employees

5 CFR Part 315 & Section K in this guide

Explains how to separate employees during their probationary period

Administrative Grievances

Directive 460.5 (for APHIS & P&SA)
Directive 346.1 (FGIS)

Regulations and procedures on the administrative grievance system

Standards of Conduct

5 CFR Part 2635

Federal regulations on standards of ethical conduct

Delegation of Authority

APHIS Directive 400.4 & charts in Section C of this guide

Advises on who has been delegated the authority within each agency to take disciplinary actions