Resources

Core Resources

All resources are freely available under CC0 license. Use them, adapt them, share them.

Audits

Bus Factor Audit

A comprehensive framework for identifying single points of failure across:

  • Technical systems (deployment, infrastructure, access)
  • Governance structures (decision-making, documentation)
  • Community relationships (moderation, contributor management)

Use this when: You want to understand where your project is vulnerable.

Practical guides

Setting up legacy contacts

A detailed list of how to set up legacy contacts across digital platforms including:

  • Technical systems (code repositories, infrastructure, hosting providers etc)
  • Social media (personal accounts, pages etc)
  • Password managers (1password, Lastpass, Bitwarden etc)
  • IT ecosystems (Apple, Google, Samsung etc)

Use this when: You want to ensure that, in the event something happens to you, someone is able to access your important accounts - both personal and organisational.

Sunsetting a project

Useful resources and tips when you’re considering shutting down or sunsetting an open source project including:

  • When is the right time
  • Making and communicating the decision
  • Communication throughout the process
  • How to close everything down

Use this when: You are thinking about closing down an open source project.

Succession planning

Legacy Checklist

The uncomfortable but essential preparation for if you die or become suddenly incapacitated:

  • Critical access and credentials
  • Communication protocols
  • Technical continuity
  • Governance handoff

Use this when: You’re the person holding critical knowledge or access.

Succession Planning Guide

Templates and processes for three types of transitions:

  • Planned departures (90-day handoff timeline)
  • Unexpected absences (emergency protocols)
  • Gradual transitions (leadership evolution)

Use this when: Someone is stepping back or you’re planning for inevitable changes.

Worshop resources

Scenario Cards

Ten workshop scenarios for practising crisis response:

  • The sudden disappearance
  • The burnout announcement
  • The cascade failure
  • The hostile fork
  • And more…

Use this when: You want to stress-test your project’s resilience with your team.

Contributing

These resources improve when more people share their experience.

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