EPA To Set Up Human Resources Shared Service Centers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earlier this month announced plans to establish shared service centers in three locations, beginning in June, to process personnel and benefits actions for the agency's 17,000 employees. The centers, to be located in current EPA facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Research Triangle Park, N.C.; also will process vacancy announcements throughout the agency.

The move will improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and customer service of agency human resources operations, according to an EPA release. It is expected to take 12-24 months to complete. Staff affected by the creation of the shared service centers will continue their employment at one of the centers or elsewhere in the agency. The EPS says the centers will enhance the timeliness and quality of customer service and standardize work processes.

EPA used the shared service center model when it successfully set up its finance centers in 2005-2006. Other federal agencies currently using human resources shared service centers include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (including the National Institutes of Health), the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the U.S. Forest Service.