DHS Council Subcommittees Recommend Workforce, AI Process Improvements

The Homeland Security Advisory Council has approved a Workforce Subcommittee report on improving employees’ responsiveness to stakeholder needs.

The subcommittee suggested updating training modules, accommodating flexible work arrangements and ensuring that facility occupancy tools are available. In addition, it advised to continue prioritizing diversity and inclusion for recruitment and retention.

The Workforce Subcommittee delivered its report at a recent HSAC meeting led by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a past Wash100 winner.

At the event, the HSAC also accepted recommendations by the Homeland Security Grant Program Subcommittee to improve funding distribution by revising threat risk processes, increasing coordination to develop a threat index and proposing legislation enabling the DHS secretary to lead allocation efforts.

Meanwhile, the AI Mission Focused Subcommittee proposed that the department establish a central office to promote internal artificial intelligence usage. According to a press release, the subcommittee’s report had an amendment presented by the HSAC maintaining human involvement in AI decision-making.

Leadership also gave updates on implementing previous council recommendations such as the recent establishment of a customer experience directorate, DHS said Friday.