Introduction
Changes to your company's directors must be reported to Companies House promptly. Whether you're bringing a new director on board or removing one who is leaving, the process is straightforward — but there are specific forms, deadlines, and steps you need to follow to stay compliant.
How to Add a Director to a Limited Company
Step 1: Pass a Board Resolution
Before appointing a new director, the existing directors (or shareholders, depending on your Articles of Association) must formally agree to the appointment. This is typically done by passing a board resolution — a written record of the decision, signed by the relevant parties.
Step 2: Obtain the New Director's Consent
The new director must formally consent to act as a director. This is usually done by signing a consent to act form or by completing the relevant section of the Companies House filing.
Step 3: Notify Companies House
You must notify Companies House of the new appointment within 14 days using form AP01 (for individual directors) or AP02 (for corporate directors). You can file online via the Companies House WebFiling service using your authentication code.
You'll need to provide:
- The new director's full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Occupation
- Service address (this appears on the public register)
- Date of appointment
Step 4: Update Your Internal Records
Update your company's statutory registers, including the Register of Directors and Register of Directors' Residential Addresses, to reflect the new appointment.
How to Remove a Director from a Limited Company
Step 1: Follow the Correct Procedure
A director can be removed in several ways:
- Voluntary resignation — the director submits a written resignation
- Shareholder vote — shareholders can remove a director by ordinary resolution (more than 50% of votes) under Section 168 of the Companies Act 2006. Special notice of 28 days must be given.
- Automatic termination — under the Articles of Association (e.g. if a director becomes bankrupt or is disqualified)
Step 2: Notify Companies House
You must notify Companies House within 14 days of the director's termination using form TM01 (for individual directors) or TM02 (for corporate directors). File online via WebFiling.
You'll need to provide:
- The director's full name
- Date of termination
Step 3: Update Internal Records
Remove the director from your Register of Directors and update any other relevant company records, including bank mandates, signatory lists, and any contracts where the director is named.
Step 4: Revoke Access
Ensure the departing director no longer has access to:
- Company bank accounts
- Companies House WebFiling (consider changing your authentication code)
- Business email accounts and systems
- Any other company platforms or services
Key Deadlines to Remember
- 14 days to notify Companies House of a new appointment (AP01/AP02)
- 14 days to notify Companies House of a termination (TM01/TM02)
- 28 days' special notice required before a shareholder vote to remove a director
Missing these deadlines can result in your company's register being inaccurate, which is a compliance issue and can cause problems with banks, lenders, and other third parties.
Using a Director Service Address
When adding a new director, their service address — which appears on the public Companies House register — does not have to be their home address. Using a director service address protects the director's personal privacy.
Spectre Offices provides director service addresses at professional UK locations, keeping personal home addresses off the public register. View our director service address options here.
Need Help with Companies House Administration?
If you need support filing director changes or keeping your Companies House records up to date, Spectre Offices offers Companies House admin support to handle the paperwork on your behalf.
0 comments