PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 68 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: ASF leadership succession policy; Global Affairs Canada and Norad organisational-capacity criteria; UN HACT governance questions; Policy 38 (Risk and Continuity)
1. Purpose and scope
PHIG depends heavily on its founder and Chair. This policy ensures that the institute, its platforms and its obligations continue if the Chair, the Director or another key person is suddenly unavailable, and that leadership renewal is planned. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.
2. Policy
- The Board designates a Deputy Chair and an Acting Director in advance, with written authority to act in the absence or incapacity of the incumbent; bank mandates and administrative access are arranged accordingly.
- Operational knowledge is documented: the network handover documentation (servers, credentials in a password manager with Board-level access, databases, procedures, contracts, donors) is kept current and accessible to the Deputy Chair and the Acting Director under confidentiality.
- Emergency succession: on the sudden unavailability of the Chair, the Deputy Chair convenes the Board within 14 days; the Board confirms interim arrangements, informs donors and partners, and decides on a permanent appointment within six months under the statutes.
- Planned succession: the Board reviews leadership needs annually; develops potential successors within the Scientific Committee, the platforms and the Board; sets term limits for the Chair where the statutes allow.
- Key persons for each platform (journal, GILS, Sheni Labs, Academy) have named deputies.
3. Procedures
- Succession register; annual review; test of access arrangements.
Responsibilities
Board; Chair; Deputy Chair.
Review
Every two years and when donor rules change.
Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).