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Plan a retirement gathering
for a retiring colleague
Ask the retiring colleague first. Their preference for size, format and guest list shapes every other decision you make as organiser before booking anything.
Share the writers' link before the gathering. Set a deadline. Contributors write their own note in a browser without needing an account.
No party needed. A reading link sent privately still marks the occasion, and the work handover stays separate from the card.
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Organising the occasion
- 01
Ask the colleague
Check whether the colleague wants a gathering. Ask who they would like there and whether a quieter farewell would suit them.
- 02
Agree the handover
Choose a date before the last working day. Keep work handover tasks separate from the gathering and name somebody to look after each.
- 03
Plan for attendance
Confirm the room or call with the people attending. Check access, dietary requirements and whether former colleagues should be invited.
- 04
Collect the team card
Choose a retirement cover and an opening time. Share the writers' link with colleagues and give them a deadline before the gathering.
- 05
Arrange the presentation
Ask who will give the card to the colleague. If they prefer to read privately, share the reading link separately from the group gathering.
Ways to gather and what to check
| Decision | Confirm with | Before the gathering |
|---|---|---|
| Format | The retiring colleague | Their preferred size and whether to gather at all |
| Attendance | The organiser | Room access, call link and any former colleagues |
| Card | The card organiser | Opening time, writers' deadline and recipient delivery |
| Handover | The work lead | Who owns unfinished work after the colleague leaves |
| Small team meal | The retiring colleague | Choose a meal if they want time to talk. Check food requirements and who can attend before booking. |
| Informal drop-in | The organiser | Agree a place and arrival window if colleagues work different shifts. Ask whether the colleague wants a short presentation. |
| Remote gathering | The call host | Choose a shared time and test access for former colleagues. Agree whether the card opens during the call or privately afterwards. |
| Quiet handover | The retiring colleague | If they prefer no party, arrange who gives them the reading link. Keep the work handover separate from the card. |
Card maker: https://tbfcards.com/quick/
Writers' link: https://tbfcards.com/manage/
Planning the occasion
Ask first. The colleague's preferred format, size and guest list determine every other choice, including whether you need a room at all.
Confirm access, dietary requirements and a date before the last working day. Keep work handover tasks separate, with one named owner responsible for each unfinished item.
Copy the writers' link from the organiser page and share it yourself. Give contributors a firm deadline so every note is in before the gathering begins.
A small meal suits colleagues who want time to talk quietly. A drop-in works across shifts if you fix a place and a clear arrival window.
Pick a design
Questions
When should I collect signatures for the retirement card?
Set the writers' deadline a day before the gathering. This gives you time to review the card and confirm the opening time you chose in the card maker.
What if the retiring colleague does not want a party?
Arrange a quiet handover. Share the reading link privately and keep work handover tasks in a separate list with a named owner for each item.
How do I include former colleagues in a remote gathering?
Test the call link with them in advance. Agree whether the card opens during the call or the colleague reads it privately afterwards on their own.
Drafted with a model and checked against the recorded public assets.
Part of Retirement cards.
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