Human Resources
Succession planning
Definition
Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing employees who can step into key roles when the current holders leave, retire or move up.
How do you start succession planning?
Start with the roles whose loss would hurt most.
- List critical roles and the skills they need.
- Name possible successors and rate their readiness.
- Agree development plans, often from a performance appraisal.
- Review the plan at least once a year.
Where can you learn succession planning?
The Succession Planning and Talent Pipeline Management course teaches the full process, and it is part of the Certified Career Development Manager.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.- CourseSuccession Planning & Talent Pipeline Management
- CourseEmployee Career Pathing & Development Planning
- CertificationCertified Career Development Manager (CCDTM)
- CertificationCertified HR Hiring & Deployment Manager (CHRDM)
- Free online assessmentHow strong is your career development practice? Free readiness check
- Glossary termPerformance appraisal
- Glossary termTraining needs analysis (TNA)
Which sources does this page use?
This page states no statutory figures, so it cites no official source.
Updated 20 October 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.