Federal Judicial Center Enhancing Efforts to Coordinate Best Workplace Practices Across the Judiciary

Federal Judicial Center, FJC, Judiciary

BACKGROUND

The Federal Judicial Center (FJC or the Center) is the research and education agency of the judicial branch of the United States Government. The Center supports the efficient, effective administration of justice and judicial independence. Its status as a separate agency within the judicial branch, its specific missions, and its specialized expertise enable it to pursue and encourage critical and careful examination of ways to improve judicial administration. The Center has no policy making or enforcement authority; its role is to provide accurate, objective information and education and to encourage thorough and candid analysis of policies, practices, and procedures.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Pursuant to Congressional directive, the FJC partnered with the Academy for assistance with four FJC research efforts and to coordinate best workplace practices across the judiciary. This study:

• Assessed how the Model Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) plans have been implemented in the courts and employing units.

• Assessed how informal advice, assisted resolution, and formal complaint processes were working, and considered what type of information about their use ought to be collected and reported, balancing concerns about program effectiveness, confidentiality, and assessment.

• Assessed the nature and level of educational and outreach efforts.

• Assessed the use of uscourts.gov and local court of appeals, district, and bankruptcy court websites to provide workplace information to the public and to employees; assessed if the provided information was complete, helpful, and accessible.

The report includes a series of options for judicial consideration that look to improve the employee dispute resolution processes and mechanisms for communicating resolution resources.

The Academy appointed a five-member Panel of Fellows to oversee and guide this study.

Study Fellows