#NCUA to Resume #Onsite Operations Chairman Harper just announced staff and contractors will be permitted to volunteer to work onsite at #creditunions beginning July 19, 2021. That DOES NOT automatically mean your next exam WILL be onsite: "Staff may only volunteer to work onsite in locations where public health data indicates pandemic conditions have sufficiently moderated. To the extent they exceed the NCUA’s safety protocols for Phase 1, NCUA staff working onsite in credit unions will generally be expected to follow credit union policies related to safety and security. To the extent possible, the NCUA will respect a credit union’s preference to not have examination staff onsite during this phase. However, the NCUA reserves the right to conduct onsite work at a credit union if necessary to address a serious and time-sensitive matter. The NCUA will also continue to maintain heightened safeguards in the agency’s facilities to ensure the health and safety of staff and any visitors. The health, safety, and well-being of its staff and credit union employees remains a top priority for the NCUA. The agency will continue to monitor the course of the pandemic and adjust its plans as necessary to ensure staff safety, while continuing to ensure the safety and soundness of the credit union system and protect credit union members." This is a great first step to a return to normalcy. I have several credit union clients who much prefer the face to face examination as it enhances communication. If you would like to talk about how I help my clients achieve the best possible exam results so they save time and money - whether onsite or remote - reach out to me here or via email at info@marktreichel.com
NCUA first discussed phase one in a letter to credit unions (text below) from last year:
20-CU-20 / June 2020
Phased Approach to On-site Operations
To Federally Insured Credit Unions Subject NCUA Operations/Activities Status Active Dear Boards of Directors and Chief Executive Officers: After conducting a workforce readiness survey, obtaining guidance from appropriate federal agencies, and partnering with a public health firm retained to advise the agency on COVID-19-related matters, the NCUA developed a multi-phase transition plan for the resumption of its on-site operations and is now preparing to implement that plan. The phased transition plan provides a framework for how and when staff resumes an on-site presence at both NCUA offices and credit unions. The NCUA’s top priority is that of ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of its staff while executing the agency’s mission. The transition plan may begin as early as Monday, July 6, 2020, and has built-in flexibility if a later implementation date is necessary. In the transition plan’s first phase, we may begin conducting voluntary on-site examinations. We will communicate specific implementation details before we begin the first phase. During the first phase, the NCUA will continue to encourage both field and office staff to work remotely when possible and has placed prudent limits on the number of staff working in our offices. The NCUA will also implement social distancing and other precautionary measures in its offices to ensure the health and safety of its staff. Additional precautionary measures will include the distribution of appropriate protective supplies to both field and office staff. The NCUA will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as we transition to normal on-site operations. As we gradually implement the phases of the transition plan, we will continue to notify credit unions of changes to procedures and examination protocols. The agency will continue to coordinate examination and supervision efforts with state supervisory authorities during this time. If you have questions, please contact your NCUA regional office. Sincerely, /s/ Rodney E. Hood Chairman