GlossaryUK
What is a company director?
Officer legally responsible for running a UK company
Short answer
A director is legally responsible for running a UK company and for making sure its legal obligations (accounts, returns, filings) are met on time. Every company must have at least one director, and at least one director must be a natural person.
Explained
A director must be at least 16; an appointment below that age is void. Directors do not have to live in the UK. Their names and some personal details are on the public Companies House register, with a service address given instead of a home address.
The Companies Act 2006 sets out seven general duties for directors. Directors who fail in their responsibilities may be fined, prosecuted or disqualified. Since 18 November 2025 new directors must verify their identity with Companies House before acting as a director.
Good to know
- Limited liability does not protect directors from personal liability in every case.
- Acting as a front director to hide who really controls a company can have serious consequences; the person can be held liable for the company’s debts and disqualified.
- A director and a shareholder can be the same person, but the roles differ: shareholders own the company, directors run it.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the official source for the latest position or talk to us.
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