Directors are at the heart of every UK company. Whether you’re scaling your business, onboarding a new executive, or restructuring your board, keeping your director details up-to-date at Companies House is a legal obligation.

This is done through the CH01 form, which is filed whenever a company appoints a new director or updates details of an existing director. If you’re removing a director, you’ll need the related TM01 form,  but CH01 is essential for adding or updating.

What Is the CH01 Form?

The CH01 form (Change of Director’s Details) is the official Companies House form for:

  • Appointing a new director (when combined with the AP01 form for the initial appointment)
  • Changing details of an existing director, including:
    • Residential address
    • Service address
    • Name corrections or changes
    • Nationality
    • Occupation
    • Date of birth (month and year only,  never the exact date)

Important distinction: To remove a director, companies must file TM01, not CH01. However, many founders confuse the two. The CH01 only updates existing details, whereas the TM01 ends a director’s appointment.

Why Accurate CH01 Filings Matter

Filing CH01 is more than just admin, it’s about legal compliance and business credibility:

  1. Statutory Requirement – Companies Act 2006 requires accurate director records.
  2. Public Record Transparency – Investors, partners, and regulators rely on Companies House data.
  3. Banking and Funding – Lenders and VCs check director details during due diligence.
  4. Avoiding Penalties – Failure to update director records can result in fines for both the company and individual officers.
  5. Protecting Directors – Outdated addresses or errors can cause compliance headaches or personal data issues.

When Must You File CH01?

You must file CH01 with Companies House within 14 days of any director change.

Events requiring CH01 include:

  • Adding a new director (alongside the AP01)
  • Updating a director’s service address
  • Correcting spelling errors in a director’s name
  • Recording a name change (e.g., after marriage)
  • Updating nationality, occupation, or DOB details

For removals: file TM01 within 14 days of the resignation, dismissal, or retirement.

Step-by-Step Guide: Filing CH01 for Director Changes

1. Gather Required Information

Before filing CH01, prepare:

  • Full name of the director (including middle names)
  • Date of birth (month and year)
  • Service address (must be in the UK)
  • Residential address (protected but required for Companies House records)
  • Nationality
  • Business occupation (if applicable)
  • Company name and registration number

2. Choose Filing Method

You can file CH01:

  • Online via Companies House WebFiling – quickest, with same-day confirmation.
  • Paper filing (post) – slower (can take 5–10 working days).

3. Complete the Form

The CH01 form has key sections:

  1. Company Information – Name and company number.
  2. Director Details – Existing details plus the changes.
  3. Statement of Change – Clearly specify what’s being updated.
  4. Signature – Must be signed by a director, company secretary, or authorized agent.

4. Submit the Filing

  • Online: Submit through WebFiling.
  • Paper: Send to Companies House, Cardiff, or the relevant office.

5. Update Internal Records

  • Update the Register of Directors.
  • Update the Register of Directors’ Residential Addresses.
  • If appointing or removing, update shareholder agreements, board resolutions, or employment contracts.

Filing CH01 to Add a Director

Adding a director typically requires two forms:

  • AP01 – Appointment of director (initial details).
  • CH01 – Used if director details change later.

Steps:

  1. Pass a board resolution to appoint the director.
  2. File AP01 with Companies House.
  3. File CH01 if any updates are required after appointment.
  4. Update company registers and issue appointment letters.

Filing CH01 to Remove a Director

Technically, CH01 is not for removals. To remove a director:

  • File TM01 (Termination of appointment).
  • Update company registers.
  • Ensure a board/shareholder resolution has been passed.

But if you update a director’s details before their removal, you may need both CH01 and TM01.

Common Mistakes in Filing CH01

  1. Using CH01 instead of TM01 for removals – leads to rejected filings.
  2. Late filings – missing the 14-day deadline triggers penalties.
  3. Incorrect service address – must be a UK address, not PO Box (unless serviced).
  4. Failing to update internal registers – statutory records must align with Companies House.
  5. Name errors – misspelled names can cause banking and investor delays.

Example: Adding a New Director After Funding

Your startup closes a Series A round and appoints a CFO. You’ll need to:

  1. Pass a board resolution.
  2. File AP01 with Companies House.
  3. If the CFO later changes their residential address, file CH01.
  4. If the CFO resigns two years later, file TM01 within 14 days.

Deadlines and Penalties

  • Deadline: 14 days after the change.
  • Failure to file:
    • Companies and officers may be fined.
    • Possible prosecution under Companies Act 2006.
    • Public record will remain outdated, potentially damaging credibility.

Compliance Tips for Director Filings

  • Always file within 14 days to avoid penalties.
  • Keep registers aligned with Companies House records.
  • Use online filing to reduce rejection risks.
  • Double-check details, errors in names or addresses can delay financing.
  • Consult legal or compliance experts for complex board changes.

Why Many Companies Outsource CH01 Filings

For SMEs and startups, the biggest pain points are:

  • Confusion between CH01, AP01, and TM01 forms
  • Tracking multiple filing deadlines
  • Administrative delays slowing down funding rounds
  • Risk of errors damaging investor confidence

That’s why many businesses choose to outsource Companies House filings to compliance specialists.

How Commenda Helps with CH01 Filings

Commenda is the all-in-one compliance platform trusted by cross-border companies. Filing CH01 (and related forms like AP01 and TM01) becomes effortless with:

  • Automated compliance calendar – Never miss a 14-day deadline.
  • Expert filing support – Ensure CH01 forms are completed accurately.
  • Centralized document management – Store director registers, resolutions, and filings in one secure hub.
  • Scalable compliance – Manage director changes across multiple jurisdictions.

Whether you’re appointing a new director after funding, removing a resigning founder, or simply updating addresses, Commenda ensures your filings are correct, on time, and investor-ready.

Book a demo with Commenda today and simplify your CH01 filings.

FAQs on CH01 Filing

Q: Can anyone file CH01?
 A: Only a company officer (director or secretary) or authorized agent can file.

Q: Can I file CH01 online?
 A: Yes, via WebFiling or Companies House service. It’s faster than paper.

Q: What’s the difference between CH01 and TM01?
 A: CH01 updates director details. TM01 removes a director.

Q: Do I need shareholder approval to remove a director?
 A: In many cases, yes. Removal usually requires an ordinary resolution under Companies Act 2006.