Can a Director have a Criminal Record?

“I have a criminal record – does that prevent me from being a limited company director?”

The short answer is no, unless you have received an official directors disqualification order. Certain companies may conduct their own background checks on people, or have specific rules on the subject, but UK law only prohibits those on the Disqualified Directors Register.

The minimum legal requirement for a private limited company is to have one director and two for a public limited company. The law also states that each one of the directors is a “natural person” or in other words a person and not another company.

What Makes a Good Director?

Directors can authorise transactions and enter into contracts on behalf of the company. Therefore, they must be honest and trustworthy as they are ultimately responsible for the actions of the company and will be liable for any offences that they cause the company to commit.

The way in which directors are chosen and appointed can vary from company to company. However, the procedure is outlined in the company’s constitution or Articles of Association. Companies House keeps a record of each company and when a new director is appointed, it should be notified using the Appoint a Director (AP01) form.

Let’s consider some of the most important skills to be a director:

• knows when to delegate
• recruits effectively
• understands risks
• understands the business sector
• good business acumen
• Decisive
• sees the bigger picture
• customer focus
• motivates and inspires staff
• demonstrates confidence as a spokesperson for the company
• leads by example

Having a Criminal Record

Under The Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 a director is classed as either “fit” or “unfit” to act as a director of a company. The definition of a “fit” director doesn’t exist, that said, there is a list of factors defining “unfitness”.  Individuals who are not regarded “unfit” under these pointers are by definition “fit” to act again as a director in future companies.

Having a criminal record shouldn’t prevent individuals from becoming a director of a company. The AP01 form that needs to be filed at Companies House makes no reference to criminal convictions. However, there may be certain factors that prevent individuals from becoming directors, for instance, if they are on The Disqualified Directors Register because they’ve been banned by the Courts from being a director or have been bankrupt.

Recruiting Directors

The directors of a company make up the Board, and other persons may be invited to attend board meetings to achieve a good balance. A Board should always contain individuals with extensive hands-on business experience who can look at the company’s problems and goals with a strategic eye. It’s also wise to have directors who have a list of contacts and the sector-specific knowledge specific. Importantly, the Board should look credible to outsiders. In this way, the company will be taken more seriously by potential investors, future management candidates as well as business partners.

Previously disqualified directors and are not allowed to hold the position again unless a Court grants them permission. In a public limited company, directors over the age of 70 must have their appointment approved at a company general meeting. Finally, all directors must be at least 16 years old

If you would like to know more about your duties and responsibilities as a company director or are unsure whether you are legally allowed to carry out the role of director or to sit on a Board, please call 0800 074 6757 or email info@companydebt.com for free and confidential advice from one of our professional advisers.