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Framework for action - Succession planning: a case for action

Experienced heads are retiring and not enough high-calibre new leaders are emerging to take their place, creating a serious challenge for the profession.

This document - part of a series - sets out why we need to take succession planning seriously and identifies steps leaders themselves can take in their areas to nurture and develop leadership talent for tomorrow.

It explores:

• The challenge - why we need to act now to ensure we have sufficient numbers of leaders in the short and the long term and the factors behind the projected leadership shortage.
• Meeting the challenge - why succession planning is the appropriate response to the potential shortfall in the profession but also has benefits for schools willing to invest in new talent.
• Principles of succession planning - 12 principles which underpin a successful approach.

Framework for action

Using the 12 principles, this easy-to-follow framework aims to help leaders find the most appropriate approaches for their particular context and needs.

It identifies the foundations required for building a successful succession planning strategy, such as local capacity and collaboration, diagnosing needs and positive cultures.

It then pinpoints seven practical, local actions for leaders to focus on such as identifying leadership potential, retaining talented leaders and accelerating progression.