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Companies and Charities: Proof of Identity

Asked by Manuela PerteghellaLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 90491

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to re-introduce postal verification for trustees of (a) companies and (b) charities who are otherwise excluded from these roles due to lack of digital accessibility.

Answered by Blair McDougall

Identity verification at Companies House is a new requirement for company directors. Some charities are incorporated as companies, and some companies limited by guarantee call their directors ‘trustees’. Only trustees who are company directors must verify under the new requirements. Previously no identity verification process existed for these roles. Individuals can verify their identity through Companies House routes or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. The process has been designed to be as straightforward and accessible as possible and where identity cannot be verified online, users may be directed to complete the process in person at a participating Post Office.

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