This leadership succession template is a ready-made Google Docs plan for boards that want to prepare for a planned or sudden change of chief executive. It covers principles, emergency cover, the planned process, candidate readiness and communication across seven designed pages, written discreetly and without labels on people.

Each page carries sample arrangements for Driftwood Services, a fictional social care provider, with fictional board members and interim cover. Replace the roles, names and timetable with your own, and have the board's legal adviser review the plan before it is adopted. Keep the communication schedule, since it protects staff and the business in the first days.