Transition

As already mentioned, Transition is the process of sharing knowledge with the incoming officers of your National/Local Group. The aim is to ensure the stability of the Group and the ELSA Network in general by preparing new officers for their roles and providing them with insights that will help them continue the work of their predecessors rather than having to reinvent the wheel each year.

On the International Board, transition lasts for exactly one month in which knowledge is transferred between boards - it always takes place at the ELSA House during the month of July. 

In order to be able to work efficiently especially in the first months of the term, nothing is more important than a good transition and it is thus important that outgoing National/Local Boards plan a good transition! As Transition can look different for any National/Local Group, this does not mean that you must spend an entire month with your successors. However, the more time dedicated to preparing and conducting the transition, the more effective it will be. When organising the transition, it is important to ensure that everyone can attend and that sufficient time is allocated to cover all necessary topics. As members of most National Boards of ELSA are located in different cities, setting the date and time of transition meetings well in advance is particularly important to accommodate everyone’s availability. Because of that, one weekend is a recommended minimum. 

This is due to the fact that Transition in ELSA encompasses more than the pure transfer of knowledge. It is also a first opportunity for the new Board to bond with each other since they will be spending quite some time working together. Having a strong bond between board members makes it easier to work together, communicate effectively with each other and solve conflicts in an appropriate manner. Please note that a more extensive guide can be found in the Transition Manual and that the following list of topics is non-exhaustive.

In every case, when planning your transition, include a mix of different sessions covering:

1. Association knowledge (sessions with the whole board)

• ELSA history;

• ELSA's Vision, aim, and means;

• The structure of the Association;

• Regulations of ELSA;

• National Group's obligations towards ELSA;

• International Internal Meeting cycle;

• The construct of Key and Supporting Areas and the responsibilities of each board member;

• The international projects of ELSA;

• ELSA Training;

• ELSA language and abbreviations.

2. Knowledge specific to your National/Local Group

• Email accounts;

• National regulations;

• Any group specific procedures and projects;

• Archives;

• Handbooks;

• National Alumni Network;

• Data protection procedures.

3. Area knowledge (one on one sessions with your successor to share Area related knowledge as well as tips and tricks which are not fully relevant for the entire board)

4. Team building (sessions with the whole board)

5. Social programme (for the fun)