{"id":24160,"date":"2025-08-27T11:18:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T10:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=24160"},"modified":"2025-08-27T12:06:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T11:06:54","slug":"succession-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/succession-planning\/","title":{"rendered":"Succession planning: definition, purpose, and practical examples"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSuccession planning: definition, purpose, and practical examples\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-08-27T11:18:50+01:00\">27 August, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Succession planning: definition, purpose, and practical examples\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/succession-planning\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/yassirmalik\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/03\/Yassir-Malik.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"yassir-malik-profile-picture\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Yassir Malik<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Succession planning is about building a future-ready business by preparing your people for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For HR managers and business owners alike, it\u2019s one of the most important ways to build stability, retain talent, and prepare for inevitable change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether someone retires, gets promoted, or unexpectedly departs, having a clear plan makes sure your business keeps moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Succession planning means fewer disruptions, smoother transitions, and a more confident approach to developing leadership from within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article will walk you through what succession planning means, why it matters, what a good framework looks like, and how HR professionals like you can lead the charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also find practical examples and tips for overcoming common roadblocks to build a resilient and realistic plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-succession-planning\" data-level=\"2\">What is succession planning?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-is-succession-planning-important\" data-level=\"2\">Why is succession planning important?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-role-of-hr-in-succession-planning\" data-level=\"2\">What is the role of HR in succession planning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-key-steps-to-build-a-sustainable-succession-planning-process\" data-level=\"2\">Key steps to build a sustainable succession planning process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-succession-planning-examples\" data-level=\"2\">Succession planning examples<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-barriers-to-effective-succession-planning\" data-level=\"2\">Common barriers to effective succession planning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-building-resilience-through-leadership-planning\" data-level=\"2\">Building resilience through leadership planning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-about-succession-planning\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs about succession planning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-succession-planning\">What is succession planning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing internal talent to fill key roles when they become vacant, whether due to a planned transition like retirement or an unexpected departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Put simply, it\u2019s about keeping your business running smoothly, no matter who leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And it\u2019s not just about senior executives; it applies to any mission-critical role that drives day-to-day operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From an HR and strategic standpoint, succession planning is a proactive approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It means recognising potential gaps early, nurturing future leaders, and making leadership development a core part of your company\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-succession-planning-important\">Why is succession planning important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Succession planning is essential to reducing risk, retaining top talent, and supporting long-term growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s about creating a stronger, more resilient organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s why it matters to your business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minimises disruption:<\/strong> you can\u2019t always predict when a key employee will leave, but a clear plan helps you stay prepared and maintain continuity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boosts retention:<\/strong> employees who see a future with your business are more likely to stay motivated and committed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drives business growth: <\/strong>succession planning ensures the right people are in place as your organisation expands, shifts, or evolves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supports development:<\/strong> high-potential team members benefit from structured learning and defined pathways to leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthens company culture: <\/strong>promoting from within helps preserve your values and creates a sense of stability across the team.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When succession planning is done right, you build a future-ready business with engaged, confident leaders at every level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-role-of-hr-in-succession-planning\">What is the role of HR in succession planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an HR leader, you are the architect, facilitator, and steward of the entire succession planning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your job is to turn strategy into action, ensuring leadership continuity and preparing your team for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how you bring succession planning to life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify critical roles <\/strong>that are essential to both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assess talent gaps<\/strong> by evaluating current capabilities against future leadership needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Define leadership competencies<\/strong> that align with your organisation\u2019s goals and values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evaluate employee readiness<\/strong> through performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, and leadership assessments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/create-employee-development-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>employee development plans<\/strong><\/a> to help high-potential individuals build the skills needed for future roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrate succession planning with broader talent initiatives<\/strong> like L&amp;D, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/9-box-grid-model-performance-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">performance management<\/a>, and DEI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilitate communication<\/strong> by managing expectations, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining clear documentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain continuity<\/strong> with consistent, scalable frameworks that can grow with your organisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Implementing these strategies manually can be time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/human-resources\/talent-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Talent management software<\/a> enables you to identify critical roles, monitor employee growth, and access real-time insights to support strategic decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-steps-to-build-a-sustainable-succession-planning-process\">Key steps to build a sustainable succession planning process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A strong succession planning framework should be repeatable, adaptable, and scalable as your organisation evolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a straightforward four-step approach to help you get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify key positions: <\/strong>pinpoint the essential roles for business continuity and long-term success. Look beyond senior leadership and include any role where an unplanned vacancy would disrupt operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evaluate internal talent: <\/strong>use performance reviews, leadership assessments, and feedback to identify employees who can step into critical roles within your succession planning framework.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create tailored development plans:<\/strong> align training, mentoring, and stretch assignments with individual goals to equip your employees with the skills needed for future responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review and refine regularly:<\/strong> your business and your succession planning framework will evolve. Regular reviews ensure the plan remains aligned with shifting priorities and stays relevant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By following these steps, you\u2019ll establish a succession planning process that fosters stability, supports growth, and ensures long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-succession-planning-examples\">Succession planning examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To bring the concept to life, here are two practical scenarios, one for a larger organisation and one for a smaller business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-large-business-example\">Large business example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine you\u2019re working in a multinational company, and you know your CFO is set to retire in 18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the HR manager, you partner with the finance director to identify two strong internal candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One enrols in an executive leadership programme, while both take on stretch assignments to gain experience in board-level reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With regular evaluations along the way, one candidate is eventually selected and transitions smoothly into the role when the CFO steps down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-small-business-example\">Small business example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now picture yourself in a regional retail company, where the area manager is preparing to move on to a new opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve identified a high-performing team leader who\u2019s consistently demonstrated strong leadership potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She\u2019s paired with a mentor, joins a management training course, and starts shadowing the area manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within six months, she\u2019s ready\u2014and successfully steps into the role, eliminating the need for external recruitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-barriers-to-effective-succession-planning\">Common barriers to effective succession planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even with the best intentions, many organisations struggle to implement succession planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the most common challenges you might face\u2014and how to tackle them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lack of transparency: <\/strong>succession planning doesn\u2019t mean keeping everything under wraps. Clear, thoughtful communication is key. If your team feels left in the dark, it can lead to confusion or mistrust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Talent shortages: <\/strong>you may not always have a clear pipeline of ready successors. That\u2019s where proactive development, mentoring, and even external benchmarking come into play.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inconsistent processes:<\/strong> without a structured approach or proper documentation, succession planning can quickly become reactive instead of strategic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bias and subjectivity:<\/strong> relying on gut instinct alone can unintentionally limit opportunities and undermine your diversity and inclusion efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-resilience-through-leadership-planning\">Building resilience through leadership planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Succession planning is about creating a culture of continuous leadership development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you make it part of your HR strategy, you prepare for the future and strengthen your organisation today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an HR leader, your planning capabilities strengthen your ability to navigate change, retain talent, and drive growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s about being proactive, people-focused, and committed to building a resilient workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ready-to-take-the-next-step\">Ready to take the next step?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explore how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/human-resources\/succession-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">succession planning software<\/a> can help you streamline the process, support your strategy, and confidently build the leaders of tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs-about-succession-planning\">FAQs about succession planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-what-should-a-succession-plan-include\">1. What should a succession plan include?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A strong succession plan should include a list of critical roles, potential successors, development plans, timelines, performance metrics, and a review schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should also cover how progress will be evaluated and transitions communicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-can-small-businesses-use-succession-planning\">2. Can small businesses use succession planning?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely. Succession planning is just as crucial for small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It helps minimise disruption, avoids costly hiring delays, and gives employees clear growth paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can prepare your future leaders in advance, even with a lean team.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every 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wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-32157 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-employee-benefits tag-employee-engagement tag-employee-retention tag-recruit tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-looking-after-your-employees business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" 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read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-employee-experience\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhat is employee experience and why is HR struggling to deliver it?\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tDiscover the biggest barriers to improving employee experience and practical steps to create more time for people-focused work.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-30438 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-accountant-payroll tag-ai tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants industry-hr-and-people-management\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-and-payroll-getting-started\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media card-post__media--video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1843607799-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman at a desk calculating payroll on a screen using AI\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1843607799-684x384.jpg 684w, 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Here\u2019s what you can do today\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-31436 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-employee-engagement tag-employee-retention tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-looking-after-your-employees tag-midsized-business tag-state-of-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-the-organisational-skills-gap\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-768x518.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-1200x810.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-27T15:58:09+01:00\">27 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is the organisational skills gap and how can businesses close it?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-31420 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business tag-recruit tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sme-workforce-pulse-how-to-recruit-for-an-expanding-business\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1169342765-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1169342765-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1169342765-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1169342765-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-22T10:57:27+01:00\">22 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tSME Workforce Pulse research &amp; how to recruit for an expanding business\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-23063 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accountant-payroll tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-are-payrolling-benefits-in-kind\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"managing payroll tasks for the business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-26T09:54:55+01:00\">26 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tPayrolling benefits in kind: What\u2019s changing from April 2027 and April 2028\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you an HR manager looking to set a strong succession plan? Discover clear strategies and real-world examples to help you prepare for change with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":16314,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[{\"keyword\":\"succession planning framework\",\"score\":75},{\"keyword\":\"succession planning meaning\",\"score\":58},{\"keyword\":\"what is succession planning\",\"score\":75},{\"keyword\":\"what is a succession plan\",\"score\":75}]","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"10","sage_membership_post_content_type":"article","sage_membership_post_featured_video_id":"","sage_membership_post_video_type":"trailer","sage_membership_post_featured_video_duration":"","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[191,13,240,41,234],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[69,71],"imagine_tag":[92,217,218],"coauthors":[355],"class_list":["post-24160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-business-continuity","tag-create-business-plan","tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses","tag-hr-process","tag-hr-payroll-benefits","business_type-medium-sized-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Yassir Malik","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1160135293.jpg","imagine_tags":{"92":"HR and Payroll","217":"HR processes","218":"Top HR resources"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1774"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24160"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24160\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/16314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=24160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}