Throughout 2019, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) hosted seven Town Hall meetings located across the country to seek insights from industry experts and stakeholder communities related to their equal employment opportunity obligations. After months of compiling feedback, information, and concerns, the OFCCP has developed an action plan to address six emerging themes seen throughout the Town Hall meetings. As the OFCCP takes steps to address these goals, DirectEmployers has already set many of these themes into motion (or action).
OFCCP Theme 1: Assist contractors in conducting outreach to diverse talent pools.
Partnerships are essential to our work, and we believe that joining forces, providing resources, and sharing knowledge and expertise is the quickest way to make a meaningful impact—and we’ve stayed true to this mission since 2001. Members also have access to the following:
- Job Syndication to a vetted network of diversity partners
- VetCentral Direct
- VocRehab+
- Partner Relationship Manager
- Targeted Job Distribution
- Partner Marketplace in the DE Connect community
OFCCP Theme 2: Expand compliance assistance resources for contracts related to affirmative action programs and compliance evaluations.
There is a reason we are known as the authority in compliance. Our expertise is expansive thanks to our in-house practitioner knowledge from Candee Chambers, Tony Perkins and Jennifer Polcer, and our employment law guidance from John C. Fox of Fox, Wang & Morgan, P.C. Members also have access to an abundance of resources in the Federal Contractor Corner of DE Connect (our community), as well as webinars, podcasts, in-person events like our Annual Meeting & Conference (DEAMcon), and weekly updates seen in the OFCCP Week In Review blog. Personalized expert guidance is also through consultative training and in our affirmative action plan development and defense from the Taapestry team.
OFCCP Theme 3: Improve avenues for collaboration between contractors.
When it comes to connections, we’re the gold standard in connecting contractors with not only diverse partners but also with their peers. DE Connect, our member community, acts as the hub for peer-to-peer interaction. Members can participate in open and honest discussion forums on a variety of hot topics, share resources and best practices with other professionals, access webinar and survey archives, and so much more!
OFCCP Theme 4: Enhance resources for protected veterans and their spouses, family, and other associates.
As the conduit between employers and job seekers, we are always striving to find various ways to connect the two parties. By formulating new partnerships with national, state, and community-based organizations, our team can tap into helping serve protected veterans, military spouses, and their families. With tools in place like VetCentral Direct, employers can even network with 2,500 job counselors at the local level to connect with veteran talent across the nation. Employers can also gain education by attending webinars, reading blogs and white papers, as well as from partners like MSCCN/CASY, and through our unique partnership with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).
OFCCP Theme 5: Enhance resources to increase the effectiveness of the Indian and Native American Employment Rights Program.
Diversity is not only a big theme for the OFCCP, but also for DirectEmployers and our Membership. With that said, we are expanding our reach and have made great strides forward partnering with Native American organizations like Native American Today (NAT), Native American Media (NAM), and True North. Not only are we able to gain insightful information and resources, but we have had amazing conversations that will lead to some very unique opportunities for Members across the nation in 2020!
OFCCP Theme 6: Enhance resources for disability inclusion.
Inclusion is not just a “check the box” initiative. It’s a company-wide effort that needs to take place in all areas of the business to be successful. To perpetuate successful outcomes, we’ve developed impactful partnerships with organizations like Easterseals, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, and more to support inclusive hiring practices. We also offer outreach opportunities through VocRehab+ and Targeted Job distribution to help make a direct connection to local vocational rehabilitation representatives and community-based organizations, which help Members take foundational steps forward to show real commitment to diversity.
As additional priorities emerge, DirectEmployers will be swift to address them through a combination of education, tools, and solutions that match the DE difference Members have become accustomed to over the years. Same attention to detail, same elevated services, and always with our Members’ needs first.
