The rule implementing Schedule Policy/Career (Schedule P/C) will go into effect next week, on March 9, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Schedule Policy/Career?
Schedule P/C is a new excepted service category that includes career executive branch positions with significant policy‑making or policy‑influencing responsibilities. Schedule P/C will include positions that shape, draft, interpret, or implement regulations or policy; advise agency leadership on policy decisions; translate presidential or agency priorities into action; or exercise authority over how the government carries out laws and directives.
The government is expected to convert more than 45,000 positions to Schedule P/C. Employees placed in Schedule P/C positions will remain career federal employees, not political appointees.
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What rights to Schedule P/C employees have?
Not many. Schedule P/C employees don’t have the right to appeal adverse actions, including removals, to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Agencies don’t have to issue a notice of proposed discipline or provide an opportunity to reply. Agencies can also remove Schedule P/C employees for unsuccessful performance without issuing a performance improvement plan (PIP). In fact, agencies do not have to apply progressive discipline or consider tables of penalties when taking action against Schedule P/C employees.
In addition, Schedule P/C employees can’t file whistleblower complaints with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Instead, agencies will address allegations of Prohibited Personnel Practices through internal procedures.
Can I challenge a Schedule P/C conversion?
Ordinarily, employees can file an MSPB appeal to challenge an involuntary reclassification from the competitive to the excepted service. However, the MSPB recently amended its regulations to eliminate appeal rights related to the involuntary reclassification into an excepted service category, including Schedule P/C. Attorneys and other legal experts are exploring potential avenues to challenge conversions.
When does this rule become effective?
The rule that creates Schedule P/C takes effect on March 9, 2026. If your agency converts your position to Schedule P/C, you should receive an updated SF‑50 and additional information explaining how the change affects you.
Can an attorney help me challenge Schedule P/C conversion?
If your agency converts your position to Schedule P/C, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney. Based on the specific facts of your case, an experienced employment lawyer can assess whether you may have a claim. Alan Lescht and Associates, P.C., has extensive experience representing federal employees. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney and learn about your rights.
