Content created by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
The Department’s DEIA program is largely decentralized and implemented through a hub and spoke model, with both a central office and eight OpDiv/StaffDiv level Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) (collectively EEO/D&I) offices with separate chains of command.
The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion (EEODI) is within the Assistant Secretary for Administration’s (ASA) office and its mission is to promote, encourage, develop, and maintain a culture of equality, fairness, and objectivity throughout HHS.
EEODI’s goals include:
- Integrating equal employment opportunity (EEO) and inclusion concepts into all aspects of the workplace.
- Maintaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of the United States.
- Providing fair, neutral, timely and effective complaint processing.
- Improving HHS’ workforce knowledge on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment matters.
- Establishing and sustaining a robust barrier identification and elimination program.
EEODI is responsible for administering and overseeing the Department-level DEIA program. In addition to establishing new programs, EEODI also collaborates with the eight EEO and D&I offices within OpDivs to ensure DEIA is centered at all levels within the Department (StaffDivs do not have their own independent EEO/D&I offices). Each EEO/D&I office reports directly to their OpDiv leadership. The DEIA programs within each OpDiv/StaffDiv are similar in many respects. Most of the OpDiv/StaffDivs manage EEO complaint processing, Special Emphasis Programs, D&I programs, Accessibility Services, supervisory and workforce training, and data analytics through their EEO Offices. Moreover, most of the OpDiv/StaffDivs use their Information Technology or Chief Information office to manage the Section 508 Accessibility program, while most of the Human Resources offices administer the anti-harassment programs.