37 Best Succession Planning Templates

1. Define Critical Roles and Competencies
Document the roles most vital to continuity and the skills, experiences, and qualifications required for each. Use the template to map potential successors against these criteria and identify gaps for development.

2. Include Timeline and Milestones
Use the template to outline succession timelines, interim coverage, and required training milestones. Align the plan with organizational goals and budget to ensure realistic and trackable progress.

3. Ensure Documentation and Compliance
Capture approvals, confidentiality considerations, and continuity strategies within the template. Maintain version control and audit trails to ensure the plan remains current and defensible.