Director Appointments & Changes UK —
Filed Within 14 Days, Every Time

The 14-day clock starts from the date of the change — not when you remember to tell your accountant. A director appointed on 1st who is not notified to Companies House until 20th is already late. Notify us the day the change happens — we file within 24 hours.

Many directors are also Persons with Significant Control — holding more than 25% of shares or exercising significant influence. A director resignation doesn’t automatically update the PSC register. If the departing director was also a PSC, a separate PSC cessation notification is required within 14 days.

All directors must have a Companies House service address (publicly visible) — which can differ from their residential address. The residential address must also be registered with Companies House but can be protected from public view. Many companies use their registered address as the service address for all directors — we advise on the most appropriate service address arrangement.

A director’s resignation should always be documented in writing — either a letter of resignation or an email — signed and dated. Without written evidence, the date of resignation can be disputed by HMRC or creditors. We always request written evidence before filing a TM01.

All director changes — appointments, resignations and personal detail changes — must be filed with Companies House within 14 days of the date of the change. This is a statutory requirement under the Companies Act 2006. Filing after 14 days creates a compliance record on the public register and can affect credit ratings and banking relationships.

Yes — a new director must consent to act before or at the time of their appointment. This consent is typically recorded in the AP01 form itself (the director signs the consent statement), in a board resolution recording the appointment, or in a separate consent letter. We prepare all required consent documentation as part of every AP01 filing.

Yes — under Companies Act 2006 s168, shareholders can remove a director by ordinary resolution (simple majority) with special notice (28 days’ notice to the company). The director has the right to make written representations and to speak at the meeting. Once the resolution is passed, TM01 can be filed. We advise on and manage the s168 procedure for contentious director departures.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced mandatory identity verification for all new and existing company directors. New directors must verify their identity with Companies House before appointment. Existing directors have a transitional period to complete verification. We advise on and assist with director ID verification for all clients.

Director appointments are typically within the powers of the board — approved by existing directors via board resolution, without requiring shareholder approval (unless the Articles require it or the director is being appointed as a shareholder director). Director removals against the director’s wishes require shareholder resolution under s168. We review your Articles before any appointment to confirm the correct approval process.