Frequently Asked Questions Senior Executive Service

The SES insignia or emblem represents a keystone -- the center stone that holds all the stones of an arch in place. This represents the critical role of the SES as a central coordinating point between Government's political leadership which sets the political agenda and the line workers who implement it. Members of the SES translate that political agenda into reality. The upright lines in the center of the keystone represent a column in which individual SES members are united into a single leadership corps. There is no particular symbolism to the number of lines, which has varied over the years with different iterations of the logo. The SES insignia may not be modified.

No. Whether acting or detailed, the employee retains his/her current rate of pay.

The "Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications" contains information about the ECQs and samples you may use to develop your own statements.

Yes. When acting, an individual takes on additional responsibilities of the SES position without leaving his/her position of record. This acting authority is meant to cover a short-term absence or vacancy.

All SES vacancies are advertised on USAJOBS, where you can download announcements for vacancies of interest to you.

Information about the number of SES who receive bonuses is available at http://www.opm.gov/ses/facts_and_figures/index_data_trends.asp.

The Governmentwide performance requirements were written broadly to incorporate all regulatory and certification criteria and be applicable across all agencies.  Agencies have the flexibility to include additional performance requirements under any performance element to increase the usefulness and job specificity needed for their executives.

The design of the basic system description is consistent with how most agencies currently construct performance plans, e.g. results-focused, leadership and accountability.  For some agencies, the basic system description may represent a transition to new terms and methods.  Agency executive resources staff will develop an implementation plan that will outline an approach to help SES members transition and to construct their performance plans as ECQ-based performance requirements.