U.S. Office Of Special Counsel

United States · Government Administration

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal agency focused on protecting the merit system in federal employment. Established in 1979, OSC safeguards federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, particularly retaliation against whistleblowers. The agency operates under key federal laws, including the Civil Service Reform Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act. OSC provides a secure channel for federal employees and applicants to report wrongdoing, such as violations of law or gross mismanagement. It investigates allegations of improper employment actions and enforces the Hatch Act, which ensures political neutrality among government employees. Additionally, OSC protects the employment rights of military service members under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The agency offers legal and investigative services, guidance on federal employee conduct, and representation in administrative or judicial proceedings.