Management committee continuity

Strategies for Effective Succession Planning

Succession planning means proactively preparing potential new management committee (MC) members to take on roles before existing MC members step down.

When done well, it…

• Ensures continuity of leadership.
  By identifying potential MC members in advance, you can ensure that the MC member’s work continues with minimal interruption when their term is over.
• Maintains institutional knowledge.
  Succession planning ensures that the knowledge and experience gained by MC members is transferred to incoming members.
• Enables smooth transition.
  Succession planning can minimise disruptions and potential conflicts that may arise during changes of leadership.

How to plan for succession

Succession planning is ongoing and begins anew whenever a new MC commences their role. If you only start looking for a replacement when a MC member leaves, you’ll inevitably be forced to rush the recruitment process, perhaps leading to an ill-considered appointment.

Succession planning helps to create a culture of leadership development and encourages ongoing learning and growth right through the membership.

Creating an effective succession plan.

• Build a timeline.
  Identify when positions will become vacant and what those positions will be.
• Encourage prospective applicants to consider putting their hand up.
  • Let the membership and/or your club community know of upcoming opportunities to join the MC
  • Broadcast opportunities through MC member networks
  • Provide a PD of upcoming positions including their specific responsibilities and typical activities
  • Include this in an information folder for prospective applicants, including an explanation of the selection process (election or appointment) 
• Build a pipeline of potential leaders.
  • Encourage informal mentorship programs
  • Provide opportunities for leadership training
  • Ask current MC members to identify potential successors and encourage them to nominate for elections.

Finally, require retiring MC members prepare a handover plan to ensure a smooth transition.

Did you know? The handover is an opportunity to talk about your personal interpretation of the role along with what is expected, and the culture and objectives of the club.