United Kingdom Board Resolutions And Related Corporate Documents
Corporate Document | Main Purpose | Often Used With Board Resolution | Difference from Board Resolution | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Meeting record | ||||
Board minutes | Record proceedings and decisions at a directors’ meeting. | true | Minutes record the meeting the resolution is the decision approved. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Written board resolution | Approve a directors’ decision without holding a board meeting. | true | It is a form of board resolution passed in writing. | At the time of board approval |
Board meeting notice | Notify directors of a proposed board meeting. | true | It convenes the meeting it does not approve the business. | Before board approval |
Board agenda | List matters to be considered by directors. | true | It structures discussion it does not record approval. | Before board approval |
Board pack | Provide supporting information for directors’ decisions. | true | It informs the decision it is not the approval itself. | Before board approval |
Directors’ conflicts declaration | Disclose a director’s interest in a proposed transaction. | true | It discloses an interest it does not authorise the matter. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Director consent to act | Evidence a person’s consent to appointment as director. | true | It is the appointee’s consent, not the company’s approval. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Ordinary shareholder resolution | Approve member decisions requiring a simple majority. | true | It is approved by shareholders, not directors. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Special shareholder resolution | Approve member decisions needing at least 75% support. | true | It is a members’ supermajority decision, not a board decision. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Written shareholder resolution | Approve member decisions without a general meeting. | true | It records shareholder approval outside a meeting. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
General meeting notice | Notify members of a proposed general meeting. | true | It calls a shareholder meeting it does not approve board business. | After board approval Before board approval |
Meeting record | ||||
General meeting minutes | Record proceedings and resolutions of members’ meetings. | true | It records shareholder meeting proceedings, not directors’ approval. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Articles of association | Set the company’s constitutional rules. | true | Articles govern powers and procedure a resolution exercises powers. | Before board approval Independent of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Amended articles of association | File updated constitutional rules after amendment. | true | It is the updated constitution, not the approval record. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Memorandum of association | Record subscribers’ intention to form the company. | false | It is a formation document, not a directors’ decision. | Independent of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Certificate of incorporation | Evidence company registration and legal existence. | false | It is issued by the registrar, not approved by directors. | Independent of board approval |
Certificate of good standing | Confirm company status using Companies House records. | false | It is an official certificate, not an internal approval. | Independent of board approval |
Form AP01 - appoint a director | Notify Companies House of a director appointment. | true | It updates the public register after appointment approval. | After board approval |
Form TM01 - terminate director appointment | Notify Companies House that a director has ceased to act. | true | It records the cessation publicly it does not approve removal. | After board approval |
Form CH01 - change director details | Update Companies House with changed director details. | false | It updates administrative details, usually without approval. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Form AP03 - appoint a secretary | Notify Companies House of a secretary appointment. | true | It files the appointment directors approve the appointment. | After board approval |
Form TM02 - terminate secretary appointment | Notify Companies House of a secretary cessation. | true | It updates the register it is not the approval record. | After board approval |
Form AD01 - change registered office | Notify Companies House of a new registered office. | true | It changes the public record after directors decide. | After board approval |
Form SH01 - return of allotment of shares | Notify Companies House of allotted shares. | true | It files the allotment it does not authorise issue. | After board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Share certificate | Evidence a member’s shareholding. | true | It proves share ownership, not approval to issue or transfer. | After board approval |
Stock transfer form | Transfer certificated shares from seller to buyer. | true | It effects the transfer directors may approve registration. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Register of members | Record legal members and their shareholdings. | true | It records ownership a resolution approves related action. | After board approval |
Register of directors | Record details of company directors. | true | It is an ongoing statutory register, not an approval document. | After board approval Independent of board approval |
Register of directors’ residential addresses | Keep directors’ usual residential addresses. | false | It stores protected address information, not decisions. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
PSC register | Record people with significant control. | false | It records control information, not board approvals. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Register of charges | Record company security interests internally. | true | It records security granted, not approval to grant it. | After board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form MR01 - register a charge | Register company security at Companies House. | true | It perfects public registration it does not authorise borrowing. | After board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Debenture | Create security for company borrowing. | true | It creates security obligations the resolution authorises entry. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Facility agreement | Set terms for company borrowing or lending. | true | It creates finance obligations the resolution approves signing. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Corporate guarantee | Guarantee another party’s obligations. | true | It creates liability the resolution authorises giving it. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Signing authority | Authorise individuals to sign documents for the company. | true | It delegates signing power the resolution approves delegation. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Company power of attorney | Appoint an attorney to execute documents for the company. | true | It grants agency authority the resolution approves granting it. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Deed of adherence | Make a new party bound by an existing agreement. | true | It binds the party the resolution approves execution. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Share purchase agreement | Set terms for sale and purchase of shares. | true | It is the transaction contract the resolution approves entry. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Asset purchase agreement | Set terms for acquiring or selling business assets. | true | It transfers contractual rights the resolution approves the deal. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Director service agreement | Set employment or service terms for a director. | true | It contains contract terms the board approves appointment or terms. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Substantial property transaction resolution | Approve certain asset deals involving directors or connected persons. | true | It is member approval required for a conflicted transaction. | Before board approval At the time of board approval After board approval |
Loan to director shareholder approval | Approve certain loans or credit to directors. | true | It gives required member approval for director credit. | Before board approval At the time of board approval After board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Dividend voucher | Evidence dividend payment details for shareholders. | true | It records payment details directors declare or recommend dividend. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Interim dividend board resolution | Approve payment of an interim dividend. | true | It is a specific board resolution for dividends. | At the time of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Annual accounts | Report company financial position for each financial year. | true | Accounts report finances directors approve them by resolution. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Directors’ report | Provide required directors’ narrative report with accounts. | true | It reports company matters the resolution approves it. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Strategic report | Explain business performance, position and principal risks. | true | It is narrative reporting the board approves it separately. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Shareholder approval document, Board governance document | ||||
Auditor appointment resolution | Appoint or reappoint the company’s auditor. | true | Auditor appointment may be by members or directors depending on context. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Confirmation statement | Confirm company information held by Companies House. | false | It is an annual filing, not an approval decision. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Form CS01 - confirmation statement | File the company’s confirmation statement. | false | It confirms filed information it does not approve transactions. | Independent of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Company name change resolution | Approve a change of registered company name. | true | Name changes usually require member approval or article procedure. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form NM01 - change company name | File a company name change by resolution. | true | It notifies the registrar it does not approve the change. | After board approval |
Shareholder approval document, Board governance document | ||||
Authority to allot shares resolution | Authorise directors to allot shares. | true | It grants allotment authority board resolution uses it. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Disapplication of pre-emption rights resolution | Permit share allotment without statutory pre-emption offers. | true | It removes shareholder rights board resolution approves allotment. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Pre-emption offer letter | Offer new shares to existing shareholders first. | true | It is an offer process, not the approval to allot. | Before board approval After board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Share subscription agreement | Set terms for investor subscription for new shares. | true | It binds investor and company the board approves issue. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholders’ agreement | Regulate rights and obligations between shareholders. | true | It is a private contract resolutions are company approvals. | Before board approval At the time of board approval Independent of board approval |
Investment agreement | Set terms for investment into the company. | true | It sets commercial obligations board approves execution and allotment. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Share option agreement | Grant rights to acquire shares later. | true | It grants contractual option rights directors approve grant. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
EMI option agreement | Grant tax-advantaged employee share options if eligible. | true | It grants option terms board approval authorises the grant. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Board governance document, Contract or deed | ||||
Share option plan rules | Set rules for employee share option awards. | true | Rules govern the plan resolutions adopt or operate it. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Share buyback contract | Set terms for company purchase of its own shares. | true | It is the purchase contract resolutions approve the buyback. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Share buyback shareholder resolution | Approve the terms of an off-market share buyback. | true | It is member approval required for the buyback contract. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form SH03 - return of purchase of own shares | Notify Companies House of a share buyback. | true | It files completion of buyback approval is separate. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Solvency statement for capital reduction | Support private company capital reduction by solvency route. | true | It is directors’ solvency confirmation, not approval alone. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Capital reduction special resolution | Approve reduction of company share capital. | true | It is member approval for capital reduction. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form SH19 - statement of capital reduction | File statement of capital after reduction. | true | It files reduced capital details approval is separate. | After board approval |
Company filing, Register or internal record | ||||
Statement of capital | State issued share capital and prescribed share details. | true | It states capital position, not the decision creating it. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Declaration of solvency | Directors declare company can pay debts in full. | true | It is a statutory solvency declaration, not approval to wind up. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Members’ voluntary liquidation resolution | Resolve to wind up a solvent company voluntarily. | true | It is shareholders’ winding-up decision, not directors’ recommendation. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Liquidator appointment resolution | Appoint a liquidator in voluntary winding up. | true | It appoints the insolvency office-holder by members. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form DS01 - strike off application | Apply to strike a company off the register. | true | It is the registrar application directors approve applying. | After board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Registered office service agreement | Provide a permitted company registered office address. | true | It supplies the address service board approves the move. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form AA01 - change accounting reference date | Change the company’s accounting reference date. | true | It files the date change the board may approve it. | After board approval |
Form AD06 - change registered email address | Notify Companies House of registered email change. | false | It updates contact details, usually an administrative filing. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Board governance document, Register or internal record | ||||
Registered office decision record | Record directors’ decision on registered office location. | true | It may be an internal record supporting the resolution. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Company minute book | Keep records of directors’ meetings for at least 10 years. | true | It is the record repository, not an individual approval. | After board approval Independent of board approval |
Copy of member resolutions record | Keep records of member resolutions and meetings. | true | It stores shareholder decisions, not directors’ decisions. | After board approval Independent of board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Filed copy of special resolution | File certain resolutions with Companies House. | true | It is a public filing of member decisions, not board approval. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Board committee terms of reference | Define a committee’s role, powers and reporting lines. | true | Terms govern ongoing delegation a resolution adopts them. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Board governance document, Contract or deed | ||||
Reserved matters schedule | List decisions needing special approval under governance arrangements. | true | It restricts powers the resolution records required approval. | Before board approval Independent of board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Delegated authority matrix | Set approval thresholds and delegated decision powers. | true | It sets standing authority resolutions approve specific matters. | Before board approval Independent of board approval |
Contract or deed, Register or internal record | ||||
Bank mandate | Tell the bank who may operate company accounts. | true | It implements banking authority the board approves signatories. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Bank account opening form | Apply to open a company bank account. | true | It is the bank’s application resolution approves opening account. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Seal register | Record use of the company seal, if any. | true | It records sealing events resolution may authorise sealing. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Company deed execution clause | Execute a deed in a valid company form. | true | It is execution wording the resolution authorises execution. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Company contract signature block | Sign a contract on behalf of the company. | true | It executes the contract the resolution authorises signing. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Director indemnity deed | Provide permitted indemnity protection for directors. | true | It grants indemnity rights board approves entry into deed. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
D&O insurance policy | Insure directors against permitted liabilities. | true | It is the insurance contract board approves purchase. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Non-executive director appointment letter | Set terms of a non-executive director appointment. | true | It sets appointment terms resolution approves appointment. | Before board approval At the time of board approval After board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Director resignation letter | Evidence a director’s resignation from office. | true | It is the director’s notice, not board approval. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Director removal ordinary resolution | Remove a director by ordinary resolution. | true | It is a statutory member power, not a board decision. | After board approval Independent of board approval |
Special notice of director removal | Give required notice for removal resolution. | false | It triggers member procedure, not directors’ approval. | Before board approval Independent of board approval |
Contract or deed, Register or internal record | ||||
Company secretary appointment letter | Set terms or evidence acceptance of secretary appointment. | true | It is appointment evidence board resolution approves appointment. | Before board approval At the time of board approval After board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form PSC01 - register individual PSC | Notify Companies House of an individual PSC. | false | It reports control information, not board approval. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Form PSC04 - change PSC details | Update Companies House on PSC detail changes. | false | It updates control details approval is usually irrelevant. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Meeting record | ||||
Share allotment board minutes | Record directors’ approval of share allotment. | true | Minutes evidence meeting context resolution is approval wording. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Share transfer approval minutes | Record approval to register a share transfer. | true | Minutes record the approval process resolution states decision. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Register of transfers | Record share transfers processed by the company. | true | It records completed transfers, not approval decisions. | After board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Warrant instrument | Grant rights to subscribe for shares on set terms. | true | It creates warrant rights board authorises issue. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Convertible loan note instrument | Set debt terms convertible into shares. | true | It creates finance and conversion rights board approves issue. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Contract or deed, Board governance document | ||||
Board observer appointment letter | Set rights for a non-director to attend board meetings. | true | It grants contractual attendance rights board approves access. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Confidentiality agreement | Protect confidential information disclosed in a transaction. | false | It creates confidentiality obligations, not corporate approval. | Before board approval Independent of board approval |
Letter of intent | Record key proposed transaction terms before final contract. | true | It records proposed terms resolution approves proceeding or signing. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Due diligence report | Summarise risks found in a proposed transaction. | true | It informs directors it does not approve the transaction. | Before board approval |
Legal opinion | Provide legal confirmation on capacity, authority or enforceability. | true | It is adviser analysis, not the company’s decision. | Before board approval After board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Incumbency certificate | Confirm current officers and authorised signatories. | true | It certifies facts the board resolution authorises actions. | After board approval Independent of board approval |
Company secretary’s certificate | Certify board approvals, documents or company records. | true | It certifies the resolution it is not the approval itself. | After board approval |
Certified copy board resolution | Provide verified evidence of a board decision to third parties. | true | It is a certified copy, not a separate decision. | After board approval |
Meeting record, Register or internal record | ||||
Chair’s certificate of written resolution | Confirm written board resolution has been duly passed. | true | It confirms passage the resolution contains the decision. | After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Corporate representative appointment | Appoint a representative for a corporate shareholder at meetings. | true | It appoints a meeting representative board approves appointment. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Proxy form | Appoint a proxy to vote at a members’ meeting. | false | It is a shareholder voting appointment, not directors’ approval. | Before board approval Independent of board approval |
Consent to short notice | Allow a general meeting on shorter notice. | true | It waives notice requirements it does not approve board business. | Before board approval After board approval |
Unanimous shareholder consent | Evidence all shareholders’ agreement to a matter. | true | It evidences member consent, not directors’ decision. | Before board approval At the time of board approval After board approval |
Shareholder ratification resolution | Ratify directors’ conduct amounting to negligence, default or breach. | true | It is members’ ratification of conduct, not board approval. | After board approval |
Written resolution circulation statement | Circulate proposed written shareholder resolution to members. | true | It circulates member approval documents, not board decisions. | After board approval Before board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Register of secretaries | Record company secretary details, if appointed. | true | It records office-holder details, not appointment approval. | After board approval Independent of board approval |
Register of allotments | Track shares allotted by the company. | true | It records issued shares, not approval to issue them. | After board approval |
Register or internal record, Contract or deed | ||||
Share application form | Apply to subscribe for new shares. | true | It is investor application directors decide whether to allot. | Before board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Articles amendment special resolution | Approve alteration of the articles of association. | true | Only members can alter articles by special resolution. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Class consent resolution | Approve variation of class rights. | true | It is approval by affected class holders, not directors. | Before board approval At the time of board approval After board approval |
Company filing | ||||
Form SH10 - notice of variation of class rights | Notify Companies House of varied share class rights. | true | It files the variation approvals are separate. | After board approval |
Shareholder approval document | ||||
Share reclassification resolution | Approve redesignation or reclassification of shares. | true | It changes share rights or classes board may recommend it. | After board approval At the time of board approval |
Register or internal record | ||||
Officer service address record | Record an officer’s service address for company records. | false | It updates officer details, not approval of a decision. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Accounting records | Keep adequate records showing company transactions and financial position. | false | They are financial records, not governance approvals. | Independent of board approval After board approval |
Contract or deed | ||||
Intercompany loan agreement | Set terms for lending between group companies. | true | It creates repayment obligations board approves lending or borrowing. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Intra-group support letter | Confirm financial support within a corporate group. | true | It states support terms board approves giving support. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Board policy | Set internal rules on a governance or operational topic. | true | The policy sets rules the board resolution adopts it. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Data protection policy | Set internal approach to UK GDPR compliance. | true | It sets compliance rules resolution adopts or approves it. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Board governance document, Company filing | ||||
Modern slavery statement | Report steps taken to address slavery and trafficking risks. | true | It is a published compliance statement board approves it. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
Board governance document | ||||
Health and safety policy | Set arrangements for workplace health and safety compliance. | true | It sets operational safety arrangements board may adopt it. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Anti-bribery policy | Set procedures to prevent bribery by associated persons. | true | It sets procedures board resolution approves adoption. | Before board approval At the time of board approval |
Board governance document, Company filing | ||||
Published tax strategy | Publish tax strategy for qualifying large businesses. | true | It is public tax governance content board may approve it. | At the time of board approval After board approval |
When Is A Board Resolution Not Enough In The UK?
A board resolution records directors’ approval, but many UK corporate actions also need a separate document: a shareholder resolution for reserved Companies Act matters, a Companies House filing to update the public register, a contract or deed to implement the decision, or an internal register entry to complete the company’s statutory records.
Which Documents Usually Come Before A Board Resolution?
Draft transaction documents, notices, agendas, board packs, disclosure papers and specialist reports are commonly prepared before approval so directors can make an informed decision and record that the proposal has been properly considered.
Which Documents Usually Follow A Board Resolution?
Forms such as SH01, AP01, TM01, AD01, MR01 and confirmation statements are typically filed after approval where the decision changes the company’s share capital, officers, registered office, charges or public record. Internal registers and minutes should also be updated promptly after the decision.
Which Actions Need Shareholder Approval As Well As Board Approval?
Common examples include adopting new articles, changing the company name by resolution, disapplying pre-emption rights, approving share buybacks, reducing share capital, putting a company into members’ voluntary liquidation and authorising certain substantial property transactions or loans to directors.
Why Does The Distinction Matter?
- Board minutes and board resolutions are different: minutes evidence what happened at a meeting, while a resolution records the actual decision.
- Companies House forms do not replace approval: filings update the public register but do not themselves authorise the transaction.
- Contracts implement decisions: a board resolution may authorise entry into an agreement, but the signed agreement creates the binding obligations.
- Statutory registers matter: some updates, especially membership and share records, are central to proving ownership and company administration.

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