2025 will see changes to the role of Companies House in regulating the UK business environment.
Changes coming into effect in 2025 will mean company directors will be required to have their identities verified. This will affect any organisation that is registered with Companies House. Typically for our members this will include
- charitable companies
- production companies set up to claim Creative Tax Reliefs.
If your group is not registered with Companies House, for example if it is only registered with the Charity Commission (for England and Wales) or OCSR (Scotland), you will not be affected.
Timeline
Companies House plans to have voluntary identity verification in place by March 2025, for those who wish to complete the process early. The requirements for identity verification will be in place from autumn 2025. From then, Companies House will:
- require identity verification checks for all new directors and Person of Significant Control (PSCs)
- begin a 12-month period in which all existing directors and PSCs will need to verify their identity. This will happen as part of the annual confirmation statement filing.
The exact details of the implementation are still being finalised, but Companies House will communicate directly with companies about these changes via email. To ensure you receive these updates:
- Make sure your registered email address is correct
- Monitor emails and act on them promptly.
Read full details of the changes
Alternatives for charitable companies
Charitable Companies currently registered with both Companies House and the Charity Commission/OCSR can convert to CIO/SCIO status. This would mean registration is just with the Charity Commission/OCSR, avoiding the need for Companies House regulation.
