Interims

Interims is the plural form of interim, describing temporary or provisional arrangements, positions, or measures that fill a gap between two states, events, or periods. The term derives from Latin inter- meaning “between” and tempus meaning “time.” Interims may be planned to manage a transition or may arise from disruption requiring a stopgap solution, and they can occur across diverse contexts such as governance, business, and law.

In governance, interim or caretaker administrations take power temporarily when elections cannot be held or a government is dissolved, often with a defined horizon and limited mandate. In business and organizations, interim management assigns temporary executives to lead during vacancies, crises, or major change programs, with the aim of maintaining operations and paving the way for permanent leadership. Interim appointments can apply to projects, departments, or entire organizations, and may be filled by external firms or internal staff.

In legal settings, interim orders or injunctions are provisional rulings issued to protect rights or maintain the status quo until a final decision is made. They typically require specific conditions and have limited duration. In clinical research, interim analyses are scheduled data reviews during a trial to assess efficacy, safety, or futility and can influence whether the trial continues as planned.

Interims are usually defined by a specific timespan, scope, and governance or reporting structure. While they facilitate transitions, extended interims can create ambiguity about longer-term strategy or accountability if not clearly bounded.

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