Key Changes Affecting Charitable Companies

What trustees and directors need to know about upcoming Companies House reforms

Charitable companies are facing a series of important regulatory changes from Companies House that will affect how trustees and directors manage compliance, designed to increase transparency and accountability. However, they also bring new responsibilities for boards, many of which rely on unpaid trustees. Understanding what’s changing and preparing early will be vital to avoid disruption and ensure your charity remains compliant.

Identity Verification for Directors and PSCs

What’s changing: All directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House.

Who’s affected: This includes unpaid trustees who act as company directors.

Deadlines

New directors: Must verify their identity from 18 November 2025 onward.

Existing directors and PSCs: Will need to verify their identity during a 12-month rollout period following Autumn 2025.

Registered Office Address Requirements

What’s changing: PO boxes and addresses that cannot receive post will no longer be accepted.

Action required: Charities using third-party addresses must ensure they meet the new standards.

Registered Email Address

What’s changing: Every company must now have a registered email address for official correspondence.

Deadline: Already in force as of early 2025.

Confirmation Statements

What’s changing: Charitable companies must explicitly confirm that their activities are carried out for a lawful purpose.

Action required: Ensure your charitable objectives and business activity descriptions are aligned.

Filing Restrictions

What’s changing: Only authorised individuals can submit filings to Companies House.

Action required: Ensure filings are handled by someone who meets the new criteria or consider using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) .

Director Changes Notification

What’s changing: Companies must notify Companies House within 14 days of any director appointment or resignation.

Deadline: Expected to come into force later in 2025 or early 2026.

What Charitable Companies Need to Do

1. Prepare for ID verification:

a. Collect up-to-date ID documents for all trustees/directors.

b. Consider using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) for support.

2. Review your registered office and email address:

a. Ensure both meet the new standards and are monitored regularly.

3. Update your confirmation statement process:

a. Include lawful purpose declarations and align your charitable objectives with your Companies House filings.

4. Train trustees and staff:

a. Make sure those responsible for filings understand the new rules and deadlines.

5. Review governance documents:

a. Consider whether your current legal structure (e.g. charitable company vs. CIO) is still the best fit.