The board of directors

The board of directors are responsible for managing a company. As well as looking after corporate governance, they help take the business forward.

How to appoint a board of directors with the range of skills and experience needed to help guide your business and help it grow.

Company directors have wide powers to help them promote the success of their business - and face strict penalties if they abuse them. Our overview.

Successful businesses use board meetings to create and improve key strategies. Our guide to preparing for, running and following up board meetings.

The members of your board are responsible for major decisions on how your business is run - and could be responsible for its failure.

Directors can be made personally liable if accused of negligence or other wrongdoing. Companies can indemnify you against legal liabilities or costs.

Company secretaries share legal responsibilities with directors for a business under the Companies Act. Our guide to the main duties of the role.

A director is required to comply with certain legal duties when acting as a director and must promote the long-term success of the company

Directors' duties when running a company can include appointing a chairperson, calling a directors’ meeting and holding a board meeting.

New directors are likely to require some key information and training when they are first appointed, including on their role and responsibilities.

Your board is there to advise you and carry out resolutions. Schedule meetings and brief board members in advance to make the most of their knowledge.

Almost anyone can be a director, including individuals or other limited companies. However there are some exceptions such as undischarged bankrupts.

Search for disqualified company directors. Anyone who has a bankruptcy, a debt relief order or bankruptcy restrictions is banned from being the director of a company. You can search the bankruptcy and insolvency register to find out who has been banned.