As a director, you’re legally responsible for running the company and making sure information is sent to Companies House on time. This includes:
You may need to file a company tax return to HMRC and pay Corporation Tax on profits.
You can hire a professional (for example, an accountant) to help manage your company, but you’re still legally responsible for your company’s records, accounts and performance.
The director information hub from the Insolvency Service offers guidance for new and existing directors on all aspects of how to run a company responsibly.
Being a company director
Directors’ toolkit
If you’re thinking of setting up a limited company and becoming a director, you need to understand the duties and responsibilities of this role.
As well as the day to day running of your company, you’ll need to file annual accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House every year. You must also report any changes to your company when they happen and keep up to date with any changes to UK company law.
In return for the benefits of limited liability, anyone who becomes a director or officer of a company will have some of their details made available to the public. It’s important to understand what personal information is publicly available on the Companies House register.
‘How to’ video demonstrations
These videos show you how to file your Companies House information online.
Watch Companies House ‘How to’ videos on YouTube.
Email reminders
Register for email reminders from Companies House. This service tells you when your company’s accounts and confirmation statements are due.
The service is free, and you can:
- choose up to 4 people to receive a reminder (including an agent)
- file your information instantly from a link within the reminder
- receive reminders more conveniently
- avoid late filing penalties by filing your accounts on time
We no longer send paper reminders by post. Analysis shows that email reminders are more successful than paper reminders, and users are more likely to file on time.
Subscribe to news and updates
Register for email updates and stay up to date with the latest information and news from Companies House.
You can subscribe for alerts on a variety of topics, including:
Over 500,000 people have already signed up. If you change your mind, you can easily unsubscribe at any time.
This is not the same as our email reminders for accounts and confirmation statement.
Webinars
Our live webinars provide you with quick and useful guidance on a range of topics, including:
- starting a limited company
- directors’ responsibilities
- how to submit a successful application for a community interest company (CIC)
You can watch a recording of the webinar if you missed the live presentation.
Watch a recording of our bite-size webinar series.
General duties of a company director
As a director, you must perform a set of 7 duties under the Companies Act 2006. These still apply if:
- you’re not active in your role as director
- someone else tells you what to do
- you act as a director but have not been formally appointed
- you control a board of directors without being on it
Company’s constitution
You must follow the company’s constitution and its articles of association. These are written rules about running the company, agreed by the members, directors and the company secretary.
The constitution sets out what powers you have as a director, and the purpose of those powers.
Promote the success of the company
You must act in the company’s best interests to promote its success. You must consider the:
- consequences of decisions, including the long term
- interests of its employees
- need to support business relationships with suppliers, customers and others
- impact of its operations on the community and environment
- company’s reputation for high standards of business conduct
- need to act fairly to all members of the company
If the company becomes insolvent, your responsibilities as director will apply towards the creditors, instead of the company. A creditor is anyone owed money by the company.
Independent judgement
You must not allow other people to control your powers as a director. You can accept advice, but you must use your own independent judgement to make final decisions.
Exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence
You must perform to the best of your ability. The more qualified or experienced you are, the greater the standard expected of you.
You must use any relevant knowledge, skill or experience you have (for example, if you’re a qualified accountant).
Avoid conflicts of interest
You must avoid situations where your loyalties might be divided. You should consider the positions and interests of your family, to avoid possible conflicts.
You should tell other directors and members about any possible conflict of interest, and follow any process set out in the company’s articles of association.
This duty continues to apply if you’re no longer a director. You must not take advantage of any property, information or opportunity you became aware of as a director.
Third party benefits
You must not accept benefits from a third party that are offered to you because you’re a director. This could cause a conflict of interest.
The company may allow you to accept benefits like reasonable corporate hospitality, if it’s clear there’s no conflict of interest.
Interests in a transaction
You must tell the other directors and members if you might personally benefit from a transaction the company makes. For example, if the company plans to enter a contract with a business owned by a member of your family.
Other duties
Other duties you must perform as a company director include:
- not misusing the company’s property
- applying confidentiality about the company’s affairs
Contact your professional adviser or trade association to find out more.
Scam offering money to become a company director
Recruiters may offer you money to provide your identity details and be named as a director for an unknown company.
They may use your identity to hide who is actually running the company and let you take the blame for criminal activity. They may pressure you to sign documents immediately or ask you to pass money through your bank account.
You might see this advertised on social media or get a WhatsApp message or email from an unknown ‘recruiter’.
If someone offers you money to be a director of an unknown company
Do not give your personal details or sign anything. Report the scam to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you have been formally appointed by a company and accepted the role of director, you are legally responsible for running the company.
If you become a director of a fraudulent company:
- you may be held liable for money laundering, tax evasion and fraudulent trading
- you could be liable for the company’s debts if it goes insolvent
- you might be banned from acting as a director for up to 15 years
- fines or legal action could make it hard for you to get loans or credit
If you have already signed up as a director
Resign from the position. You may need to file a form such as a termination of appointment (TM01). Contact Companies House for support with this. Record your efforts to leave and seek independent legal advice.