For those who are suspected of inappropriate behaviour or failing to uphold their legal obligations as a corporate director, directors disqualification proceedings are a serious problem that can have catastrophic repercussions.
The Insolvency Service frequently starts these legal actions, either through the official receiver or on the Secretary of State’s behalf.
Anyone can report a company director for inappropriate behaviour, and if the allegations are found to be credible, disqualification proceedings may be launched.
If you are facing director disqualification proceedings, it is critical that you understand the implications of the process as well as the potential penalties, which can include a prohibition on performing certain duties for a period of two to 15 years.
What are the directors disqualification proceedings?
The Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA) is a legal framework that is designed to uphold the integrity of the business environment by setting out the responsibilities of directors of limited companies and by penalizing those who fail to meet these responsibilities. The CDDA applies not only to individuals who have been legally appointed as directors, but also to people or other legal entities who have acted as directors without being formally appointed, such as shadow directors.
By ensuring that directors meet their legal obligations and maintain high standards of conduct, the CDDA helps to safeguard the interests of shareholders, creditors, and other stakeholders in the business.
There are a number of key responsibilities that are placed on directors of limited companies under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA). These responsibilities include:
- Carrying out their duties honestly and responsibly: Directors are expected to act with integrity and to avoid any actions that might compromise the interests of the company or its stakeholders.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations: Directors must ensure that the company follows all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to financial reporting, health and safety, and employment.
- Exercising sufficient skill and care: Directors are expected to use their skills, knowledge, and experience to act in the best interests of the company and its creditors, customers, shareholders, and employees, as well as in some circumstances, the public.
It is important for directors to take these responsibilities seriously and to act in accordance with them to avoid the risk of disqualification and to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the company.
In addition to limited companies, the director disqualification procedure established by the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA) also applies to other types of organizations, including limited liability partnerships (LLPs), banks and building societies, NHS foundation trusts, further education bodies, and more.
The CDDA imposes an obligation on the court to issue a disqualification order against directors who fail to meet the required standards of conduct and are deemed unfit to be involved in the management of a company. If disqualification proceedings are being considered against a director, they will receive a section 16 letter informing them of the Secretary of State’s intention to issue proceedings.
This letter is an important document that should be taken seriously, as it signals the start of a legal process that could have significant consequences for the individual in question. If you have received a section 16 letter, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights and interests.
If you receive a section 16 letter, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. This letter signifies the start of director disqualification proceedings, which could result in significant consequences for you if the allegations against you are proven to be true. Some key points to bear in mind include:
- Time limits: The Secretary of State has three years from the date of insolvency to initiate disqualification proceedings against a director. It is important to act quickly to protect your rights and interests.
- Length of disqualification: The director disqualification period can last for a maximum of 15 years. This is a significant amount of time, and it is important to understand the implications of this penalty.
- Duties that are prohibited during disqualification: During the disqualification period, you will be prohibited from carrying out a range of duties, including being the director of a UK-registered company, being the director of a company based abroad that operates within the UK, being involved in the formation, promotion, or management of a company, acting as a company director, and appointing someone else to manage a company under your guidance. If you are disqualified, it is important to understand the full extent of these restrictions and to seek legal advice to ensure that you do not inadvertently breach them.
If you are facing directors disqualification proceedings, the court will carefully review the facts and circumstances of your case to determine whether a disqualification order is warranted. If the court agrees that a disqualification order is necessary, you will typically be required to pay the costs incurred by the Secretary of State.
It may be possible to avoid the court process altogether by agreeing to a disqualification undertaking, which allows you to voluntarily disqualify yourself and prevent the need for court action and the associated costs.
It is important to note that you should not blindly accept the possibility of director disqualification without seeking specialist legal advice. An experienced lawyer may be able to help you negotiate a shorter period of disqualification or convince the Insolvency Service to drop your case entirely. Therefore, it is essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights and interests.
Basis for determining disqualification of directors
While there are millions of directors in the UK who fulfil their responsibilities effectively, in some cases, inappropriate conduct can result in director disqualification.
Some behaviors that can lead to director disqualification include:
- Allowing a company to continue trading when it is unable to pay its debts
- Failing to keep proper company accounting records
- Not paying taxes owed
- Using company funds or assets for personal benefit
- And more.
It is important for directors to be aware of these responsibilities and to avoid engaging in conduct that could be deemed unfit or inappropriate.
A person may become disqualified from acting as a director for the following reasons.
MISCONDUCT, FRAUD OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR
Most cases of director disqualification are related to misconduct, which can range from a failure to meet legal obligations due to a lack of capability or knowledge, to more serious offenses such as tax evasion, fraud, and criminal activity. It is important to note that misconduct does not have to be intentional to serve as a basis for disqualification. Even if a director’s actions are not deliberately malicious, they may still be deemed unfit to hold this position if they are unable to fulfil their responsibilities.
COMPANY INSOLVENCY OR PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY
Director conduct is typically scrutinised when a company is placed into insolvency proceedings, which is the most common reason for director disqualification proceedings to be initiated. However, it is possible to avoid disqualification in such cases if the director’s conduct was not inappropriate. In fact, most directors of insolvent companies are not disqualified. On the other hand, director disqualification is automatic if a director is declared bankrupt. If you are facing director disqualification proceedings related to an insolvent company, it is important to seek legal advice to understand your options and to protect your rights and interests.
PUBLIC INTEREST WINDING-UP ORDER
If a company’s actions pose a risk to the public, a winding-up order may be issued to protect the public from harm. This could be necessary if a business is unable to pay its debts or if it continues to trade despite being aware that it cannot fulfill its obligations to customers. In such cases, the period of director disqualification is often longer due to the level of harm caused to the public.
Director disqualification periods can range from two to 15 years, depending on the severity of the misconduct. There are three tiers of disqualification, with the most serious breaches (such as fraud or other criminal behaviour) attracting bans of 11 years or more.
Read more: Mistakes directors make with directors disqualification process
The Courts approach to directors disqualification
If you choose to defend yourself against director disqualification proceedings, you will have the opportunity to present your case to the court and to provide evidence to support your position. You can respond to the allegations made against you and explain why any allegations are inaccurate or untrue. The court will also consider any mitigating factors, such as whether a downturn in business rather than director negligence caused the company’s financial difficulties.
In evaluating the case, the court will consider all the facts, evidence, and circumstances to determine whether your conduct has “fallen below the standards of probity and competence appropriate for persons fit to be directors,” as set out in the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA). The CDDA establishes the procedures for disqualifying company directors, and if a director’s conduct is found to be unfit, the court must issue a disqualification order. However, it is important to note that ordinary commercial misjudgement is not sufficient to justify disqualification, and the conduct must display a lack of commercial integrity or be in the realm of gross negligence or total incompetence.
It is strongly recommended to seek legal advice to ensure the best possible outcome in these cases, as the legal process can be complex and the consequences of disqualification can be significant. It is also important to understand that, while disqualification proceedings are a civil rather than a criminal process, they do not prevent other investigations, actions, or legal proceedings (whether civil or criminal) from being conducted against a director.
Read more: Fighting a director disqualification undertaking
Conclusion
Director disqualification proceedings are a substantial legal process with serious consequences for individuals accused of unfit behaviour or failing to meet their legal duties as a company director. The Insolvency Service frequently initiates these proceedings, but anyone can report a company director for inappropriate behaviour.
If you’re facing director disqualification proceedings, it really is critical that you understand the implications and seek legal representation to protect your rights and interests. The director disqualification period can last up to 15 years and may include a prohibition on performing certain duties, such as being a company’s director or being involved in its formation, promotion, or management.
With over three decades of experience in the business and turnaround sector, Steve Jones is one of the founders of Business Insolvency Helpline. With specialist knowledge of Insolvency, Liquidations, Administration, Pre-packs, CVA, MVL, Restructuring Advice and Company investment.