What if the designated successor drops out?

This happens. The 'deputy' model isn't foolproof, but it's better than no plan. The system of spotting potential and creating stepping-stone roles means you should always have a list of 2-3 other potential candidates to approach.

How do you handle a long-serving leader who doesn't want to step down?

This is why term limits are crucial, as discussed in designing volunteer roles. If you don't have them, the focus should be on creating a prestigious 'Past Chair' or 'Advisory' role that honours their service while creating space for new leaders.

Should volunteer leaders be chosen by election or appointment?

It depends on your governance, but a hybrid model often works best. An open call for nominations, followed by an appointment from a small selection committee, can balance democratic input with strategic selection.

Volunteer Leadership Succession Planning Guide

Stop scrambling when a key volunteer leaves. This guide provides a proactive framework for identifying, mentoring, and appointing new volunteer leaders in your association.

Published: 1 September 2026
Topics: succession planning, volunteer management, leadership development, association management, non-profit governance

Volunteer leadership succession planning is the process of identifying, developing, and transitioning new leaders into key roles within your organisation. It’s a deliberate system designed to ensure continuity, prevent knowledge loss, and avoid the frantic scramble that happens when a critical volunteer departs unexpectedly. It's about building a pipeline, not just filling a vacancy.

By Francisco Opazo · Reviewed by the Led by Community editorial team

Your best chapter chair just resigned. They gave two weeks' notice. Now what? Panic sets in. You blast an email to the entire chapter, begging for a hero. This isn't leadership. It's a failure of imagination and a dereliction of duty.

What is Volunteer Leadership Succession Planning?

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