ERG Leader Handover Checklist
Jan 24, 2026
Why ERG handovers are fragile
ERG leadership is often:
voluntary
time-intensive
undocumented
When a leader steps down, ERGs frequently lose:
context
relationships
progress
This checklist is designed to make leadership transition lighter, clearer, and less disruptive — without adding bureaucracy.
Before stepping down (outgoing ERG lead)
1. Capture the basics
Purpose and scope of the ERG
Current priorities and open initiatives
Key stakeholders (HR, exec sponsor, partners)
If it lives only in your head, it will be lost.
2. Document how things actually work
How events are planned
How communications are handled
How decisions are made
What informal processes matter most
Avoid perfection — clarity beats polish.
3. Share historical context
What’s been tried before (and why it worked or didn’t)
Sensitive topics or organisational dynamics
Known constraints (budget, timing, approvals)
This prevents new leaders from repeating past mistakes.
During the transition (incoming ERG lead)
4. Align on expectations
Clarify:
Time commitment
Decision authority
Support available
What success looks like in the next 3–6 months
Misalignment here causes burnout later.
5. Review relationships, not just documents
Who are the key allies?
Who needs to be kept informed?
Who influences outcomes behind the scenes?
ERG leadership is relational, not just operational.
6. Identify quick wins
Early momentum matters.
One achievable event
One clear communication
One visible outcome
Confidence builds through action.
After the handover
7. Establish shared ownership
Distribute responsibility
Avoid single-point dependency
Encourage contribution beyond formal roles
Sustainability requires more than one leader.
8. Create a living handover record
Update notes as things evolve
Keep it accessible
Treat it as shared ERG memory
Continuity is a system, not a person.
Final note
Strong ERGs don’t survive leadership change because leaders work harder —
they survive because handover is designed.
Download printable PDF
About this resource
Created while building Afinio, an upcoming ERG platform focused on structure, continuity, and long-term impact.