It is a challenging time in the voluntary sector with 2025 being called ‘the year of the big squeeze’. Feelings of burn-out in the voluntary sector can lead to people in key positions leaving their roles, often without time for a handover with the incoming person.

Besides the personal health cost for the individual who has left suddenly, what does this mean for an organisation? It can be left without critical skills, and there may be a poor onboarding experience for the new person who takes on the role.

In this session Michelle Clarke and Emma Bingham will outline why they started thinking about succession planning and what they learnt, before sharing some straightforward steps you can take in your own organisation.

Michelle Clarke has worked in the voluntary sector for over 30 years, and for many years managed a small charity, gaining insight into the many strengths of the sector as well as the challenges it faces. As Deputy Director for Wales at the Community Transport Association, Michelle supports organisations and the community transport sector to develop and grow, securing funding and helping to shape transport policy. Outside of this role, Michelle is a Freelance Grants Assessor for a London-based funder.

Emma Bingham has worked for a number of years in the third sector and for many of these within the community transport sector. As Development Manager for Wales at the Community Transport Association, Emma works closely with their members and communities to support the growth and sustainability of those running or looking to run community transport projects. Emma also supports with developing specific training to enable the sector to work well. Emma has also served on the board of a community transport organisation. 

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