The Companies Act 2006 received Royal Assent on 8 November 2006 and introduced important changes to UK company law with implications for directors, shareholders and auditors of private, public and quoted companies. All parts of the Act are expected to be in force by October 2009.
Text and explanatory notes
The text of the Companies Act 2006 and explanatory notes are available on the Office of Public Sector and Information (OPSI) website.
Implementation timetable
The final implementation timetable for the Companies Act 2006 was set out in a Written Statement on 13 December 2007and details are available on the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) website.
Latest developments
Information on the latest Commencement Orders and Regulations relating to the Companies Act 2006 can be found on the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) website.
CIPD guides (Members only)
We have published two introductory guides to the Companies Act 2006. One is a general overview of the Act's provisions and the other focuses on the new directors' duties introduced by the Act:
Useful websites
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
The pages on the Companies Act 2006 provide comprehensive information on the Act and its implementation. Includes details on the Commencement Orders and Regulations bringing the Act into force and FAQs on its various provisions.
Companies House
The pages on the Companies Act 2006 offer a history of the Act, up-to-date information on its implementation, a set of FAQs and a number of podcasts. Also includes some selected online publications on the Act.
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)
This micro-site is designed as a 'one stop shop' where visitors will be able to download ICSA guidance notes and see what the latest developments are on the Companies Act 2006.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
The 'Public Interest' part of the website contains a downloadable guide to directors' duties under the Companies Act 2006.
Association of Investment Companies (AIC)
The technical guidance area of the website contains a guide to the Companies Act 2006, highlighting key areas of regulation relevant for investment companies and a paper setting out useful links to resources by various law firms on directors duties under the Act.
Corporate Responsibility Coalition (CORE)
Website of CORE which works to make changes in UK company law to minimise companies' negative impacts on people and the environment and to maximise companies contribution to sustainable societies. Includes a downloadable guide to help directors implement their environmental and social obligations under the Companies Act 2006.
Back to top