Succession Planning Checklist Template (HR)

Future-proof your organization! This Succession Planning Checklist ensures a smooth transition of key roles, mitigates risk, and develops your talent pipeline. Download now and build resilience for long-term success.

This Template was installed 3 times.

Identify Critical Roles

1 of 10

Determine roles essential for business continuity and strategic objectives.

Role Description

Impact on Business Operations (High/Medium/Low)

Number of Direct Reports

Strategic Importance (High/Medium/Low)

Last Reviewed Date

Assess Current Talent Pool

2 of 10

Evaluate skills, experience, and potential of existing employees.

Performance Rating (Last Review)

Years of Experience in Role

Key Skills Demonstrated

Strengths Observed

Potential Score (1-10)

Current Role Level

Identify Potential Successors

3 of 10

Pinpoint individuals who could fill critical roles in the future.

Current Role

Years with Company

Performance Rating (Last Review)

Strengths & Potential

Leadership Potential

Last Promotion Date

Key Skills

Develop Individual Development Plans (IDPs)

4 of 10

Create customized plans to prepare successors for increased responsibility.

Current Skill Set Assessment

Areas for Development (identified through assessment)

Desired Skill Development Areas

Target Completion Time (in months)

IDP Review Date

Training Type Preference

Supporting Documents (e.g., previous performance reviews)

Provide Targeted Training & Mentoring

5 of 10

Offer experiences and guidance to accelerate successor growth.

Select Training Programs Offered

Describe Mentoring Program Structure

Mentor Assigned?

First Mentoring Session Date

Outline Key Topics for Discussion (Mentoring)

Estimated Hours of Mentorship Per Month

Feedback Sessions Scheduled?

Track Progress & Provide Feedback

6 of 10

Monitor development efforts and provide regular performance feedback.

Last Feedback Session Date

Progress Towards Development Goals (1-10)

Summary of Feedback Provided

Overall Progress Assessment

Next Review Date

Areas for Continued Development (If Applicable)

Review and Update Succession Plans

7 of 10

Periodically reassess and adjust plans based on changing business needs and employee performance.

Last Review Date

Number of Critical Roles Reviewed

Overall Assessment of Plan Effectiveness

Summary of Changes/Updates Made

Next Scheduled Review Date

Areas Requiring Further Attention

Reviewer Name

Document Succession Planning Process

8 of 10

Maintain records of identified successors, development plans, and review dates.

Succession Plan Creation Date

Last Review Date

Review Frequency (in months)

Summary of Review Findings & Updates

Supporting Documentation (e.g., IDPs, performance reviews)

Current Status of Plan

Communication & Alignment

9 of 10

Ensure alignment with leadership and relevant stakeholders regarding succession planning goals and outcomes.

Summary of Succession Plan Goals

Stakeholders Informed (Select all that apply)

Date of Stakeholder Communication

Communication Method Used

Level of Alignment with Business Strategy

Number of Feedback Sessions Held

Contingency Planning

10 of 10

Develop plans to address unforeseen departures or disruptions within critical roles.

Describe potential triggering events (e.g., sudden resignation, extended leave)

Primary Contact Person (in case of unexpected departure)

Estimated time to fill role (in days)

Date of last contingency plan review

Potential temporary solutions (select all that apply)

Detailed steps to activate the contingency plan

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