• Almost two thirds (62%) of finance executives state they now have a formal succession plan in place, with only 6% claiming not to have one
• 95% are confident in their businesses’ ability to operate effectively should a senior executive step down
• Robert Half offers employers tips for efficient succession planning within the workplace

London, 29 February 2016 – After a number of high profile senior resignations, a new study from leading recruitment specialist Robert Half UK, reveals that almost two thirds (62%) of financial executives state they now have a formal succession plan in place. Only six per cent claim not to have any type of strategy in place.

Of the financial executives surveyed, almost half (49%) plan to hire interim specialists to help when a senior leader steps down while almost a fifth (18%) plan to hire externally.  

When asked how confident they were in their business’ ability to operate effectively should a senior executive step down, 45% of financial executives surveyed were very confident and almost half (49%) were somewhat confident.

Table one: Strategies in place to manage the repercussions of a senior executive leaving expectantly

Formal succession plan exists	62%
Plan to engage interim specialists	49%
Plan to hire externally	18%
No strategies currently exist	6%

Source: Robert Half, 2015

Phil Sheridan, Managing Director, Robert Half UK said: “The loss of a vital senior team member has the potential to significantly disrupt a business, especially if there has been little or no warning. Succession planning strategies are therefore vital for ensuring organisations continue “business as usual”, whereas companies that fail to implement a succession strategy are left with the time-consuming exercise of replacing someone when a critical role in the organisation is vacated. As our study shows, senior executives are now recognising that succession plans should be a core part of business management, in order to avoid an organisational crisis.”

The study reveals that finance executives in Scotland are the most prepared with 80% stating they have a formal strategy in place, compared to only 50% in the Midlands, the South West and Wales and 38% in the North. London sits three points higher than the UK average at 65%. However, Scotland is the least likely to engage with interim specialists (20%) whereas senior financial executives in London are the most likely to capitalise on the highly trained interim market.

Sheridan continues: “In addition to implementing formal succession plans, employers should look at ways to help manage the process further, whether it’s offering managers with executive potential more mentoring or training, or bringing in specialist interim employees to help alleviate the pressure until a permanent hire is selected.”

Robert Half’s tips for efficient succession planning:

• Look for talent throughout the firm

Keep in mind that the best future leaders may not always be the people next in line for promotion. This assumption is a common mistake many employers make that can result in talented workers leaving the firm because they perceive a lack of advancement opportunities. Look for people who best display the skills necessary to thrive in the position regardless of their current title.

• Be proactive

It can take time to find and prepare a promising candidate for a leadership role. As such, don’t delay the process. Even if you don’t think you’ll need a replacement in the near future, prepping someone to assume an important role creates an invaluable safety net and means that the sudden departure of a leader is a manageable event, not a crisis.

• Make succession planning part of your culture

Because it can take time — potentially, years — to help talented staff members develop into confident and well-prepared business leaders, it can be difficult to treat the succession planning process with the ongoing sense of urgency it requires. The effectiveness of a succession planning program depends largely on active and visible support by top management. Their engagement sends a powerful message throughout the organisation that such efforts are essential to the firm’s long-term vitality.

• Do a trial run.

A holiday is a great time to have a potential successor step in to assume some responsibilities. The employee will gain experience while you learn how prepared the person is to take on a bigger role.

• Use your succession plan to develop a hiring strategy. 

Once you’ve identified internal employees as successors for key roles in your organisation, take note of any talent gaps. In this way, a succession plan can help you identify where to focus your recruiting efforts.

 

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Notes to editors

About the Survey

¹ The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 200 finance directors across the UK. The survey was conducted in June 2015.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy and member of the S&P 500. We have once again been named to FORTUNE’s “World’s Most Admired Companies®” list and remains the top-ranked staffing firm (2022). Founded in 1948, the company has over 300 offices worldwide providing temporary, interim and permanent recruitment solutions for accounting and finance, financial services, technology, legal and administrative professionals. Robert Half offers workplace and jobseeker resources at roberthalf.co.uk and twitter.com/roberthalfuk.