This checklist provides guidance for family firms in the selection and recruitment of non-family candidates to CEO or equivalent senior leadership positions. It suggests ways of responding to some of the most common issues and dilemmas that can arise during the succession process. The checklist will be of interest to members of business families and their advisers who are considering or undergoing succession to non-family leadership in their business.

This checklist is for business-owning families, and especially family owners who intend to transfer their business shares and wealth to the next generation of family members. It provides a set of key questions that arise in ownership and wealth transfer contexts and need responding to by business owning families, often in conjunction with professional advisors.

This checklist is designed to assist with the planning of community engagement activities for family business board members, family members, managers, and community-based organisations interested in enhancing the firm’s community impact. The guidance here applies to family businesses of all sizes.