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Free letter template · Word

Acting Position Appointment Letter

An acting position appointment letter asks an employee to hold a higher vacant post temporarily, such as acting branch manager, until a permanent appointment is made. It defines the delegated authority, acting allowance, duration and reversion to the original role.

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[Company Logo][Company Name]

ACTING APPOINTMENT LETTER

Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]

To,
[Employee Name]
Employee ID: [Employee ID]
[Designation], [Department]
[Work Location]

Subject: Appointment as Acting [Acting Position]

Dear [Employee Name],

Consequent to [Reason, e.g. the vacancy arising from the resignation of the incumbent], you are appointed to hold the position of Acting [Acting Position], [Department / Branch], with effect from [Effective Date], in addition to or in place of your substantive role as [Designation].

  1. Duration: Until [End Date] or until a regular appointment is made, whichever is earlier. The arrangement will be reviewed on [Review Date].
  2. Authority: You are delegated the following authority during the acting period: approve expenses up to ₹[Amount], sanction leave for team members, and [Other Approval Limits].
  3. Acting allowance: An acting allowance of ₹[Amount] per month will be paid for the acting period.
  4. Reporting: You will report to [Reporting Manager] for the acting role.
  5. Your current duties: covered by [Cover Person] during the acting period, or continued by you if so indicated.
  6. Reversion: On completion of the acting period, you will revert to your substantive post, and the acting allowance will stop.
  7. No claim: This acting appointment does not by itself give a claim to permanent appointment to the post, though your performance will be considered.

We are confident of your ability to lead in this period.

Yours sincerely,

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
Accepted
[Employee Name]
Signature: ____________
Date: [Date]

Copy to: Personnel File; Finance; Payroll

What this template includes

  • Acting post and effective date
  • Expected duration or end condition
  • Delegated financial and approval authority
  • Acting allowance amount
  • Reversion to substantive post
  • No automatic claim to the post

When to use it

  • A senior role falls vacant after resignation
  • The incumbent is on long leave or sabbatical
  • Testing an internal candidate before promotion
  • Interim leadership during restructuring

How to customise this template

  1. 1Specify the delegated authority limits
  2. 2Set the acting allowance
  3. 3Give a review date for the arrangement
  4. 4Inform banks or vendors if signing authority changes

HR tips

  • Pay an allowance if the acting period is long
  • Define authority clearly to avoid control gaps
  • Review the arrangement every few months
  • Consider the acting holder fairly for the permanent role

This template is a starting point only. Review it against applicable labour laws (including the Labour Codes in force from 21 November 2025 and the state rules being notified), your Shops & Establishments registration, standing orders and company policies, and take advice from a legal adviser where needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Does an acting appointment mean promotion?+

No. The employee holds the post temporarily and returns to the original role unless separately promoted.

Should an acting allowance be paid?+

It is fair practice when the acting role carries higher responsibility for a meaningful period. State the amount and period.

What happens to the original role during acting charge?+

The employee keeps their substantive post. The letter should say who covers their original duties.