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The first pages of the Succession Plan template

Succession Plan

Document template for Google Docs and Word

Make a copy in Google Docs
Price
Free
Difficulty
Beginner
Updated
November 5, 2026

Every page (7)

Overview

The Succession Plan template is a ready-made Google Docs document for HR and boards. Lists critical roles, successors, readiness and development actions. It has 7 designed pages, covering critical roles, successors, readiness, development, so you start from a finished layout.

Every page is filled with sample content for a fictional company, Saltmarsh Care, so you can see how the finished document should look. Make your own copy, then replace the sample text, figures and photos with yours. The styles, fonts and layouts stay in place.

Useful for

  • Start a new succession plan from a designed layout
  • Give HR and boards a consistent format
  • Share a polished document with your team

What's included

  • 7 designed pages in one Google Docs file
  • A page for critical roles
  • A page for successors
  • A page for readiness
  • Sample content that shows what to write
  • Built-in styles and fonts

How to use it

  1. 1

    Click Make a copy in Google Docs, then confirm on the Google page. The copy is saved to your own Google Drive.

  2. 2

    Replace the company name and the cover details with your own.

  3. 3

    Work through each page, replacing the sample text and figures.

  4. 4

    Swap the photos and delete any sections you do not need.

What you need

Requirements

  • A Google account with access to Google Drive

Works with

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word (download the .docx)

Questions

Is this Succession Plan template free?

Yes. Make a copy in Google Docs and it is yours to edit, with no sign-up here and no cost.

Can I change the fonts and layouts?

Yes. Everything is built with standard Google Docs styles, so you can change the fonts and layouts as you would in any document.

Is the sample content real?

No. Saltmarsh Care and every name and figure are made up for the example. Replace them with your own before you share it.

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  • #human-resources
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