Appointing or Resigning Directors

Quick Overview

Companies frequently add or remove directors as they grow and change. Both appointing a new director and a director resigning need to be reported to Companies House so the public register stays accurate.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for existing companies who are appointing a new director, or where a current director is stepping down.

What You May Need

• Full name, date of birth and nationality of the new or outgoing director
• A residential and service address for a new director
• The effective date of the appointment or resignation

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm the decision. Check the company's articles of association for any specific process required for appointing or removing a director.
2. Gather the required details. New directors need to provide identification and contact details.
3. File the change with Companies House. Appointments and resignations are reported using the relevant forms, generally online.
4. Update the company's own records. Reflect the change in the statutory register of directors.

Important Considerations

A company must have at least one director at all times, so a resignation can't leave the company with none. Director identity verification requirements introduced under recent Companies House changes may also apply to new appointments.