Significant changes are fast approaching with regard to becoming an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). As you would expect, this is something we have been closely monitoring since the concept was first announced.  See our blog What is an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)? first published in November 2023.


You can now apply to become an ACSP here: Apply to register as a Companies House authorised agent - GOV.UK


Personal codes will become mandatory as part of incorporations and confirmation statement filings from 18 November 2025. 


Preparation to get ahead could prove to be a real time saver for ACSPs and help to prevent late filings. Below are some steps which all ACSPs might wish to consider:


1. Contact all clients early

An incorrect name or date of birth would lead to the failure of an identity check. The subsequent actions to make a corrective filing, or reappoint an individual could take time, leading to a delay in the filing of a confirmation statement.

Asking clients to review their data now will help to identify these errors early, allowing time to resolve them before the filings are required. 

Within Inform Direct, you could use a confirmation statement summary document. The pending approval can be cancelled once the document is downloaded to ensure no filings are sent. See How Do I Download a Copy of the Confirmation Statement Summary? Alternatively, you could download the company registers.


2. Decide on your preferred check method

Checks can be done by you as an ACSP for clients, or asking them to complete their own checks via Companies House. Preparation and notification to clients on the process will help with timely completion. 

For example, using the Inform Direct check process powered by Credas will generate an email to clients from Credas. While it will mention their company and your firm requesting the check, letting the client know to expect that email will help to ensure they expect it and do not delete or mark it as junk.


3. Encourage clients to complete the checks now

Whether you are offering checks for the client, or asking them to run the check themselves, completing it early will ensure that the code is prepared and entered ahead of the filings required. 


3. Collect client email addresses

If you plan to provide checks as an ACSP, a contact email address will be required for each director/PSC/LLP member. Collecting these in good time will help to avoid delays in sending the checks. 


4. Educate clients on the process

When running a check as an ACSP, the steps below will apply. Without being aware, clients may believe their involvement is done following completion of the check. It is important that they also know to send you the code.

  1. Send the check as an ACSP to the client
  2. Client completes the check
  3. You confirm the check is passed in your ACSP portal
  4. An email is sent to the client with their code, which they need to provide to you
  5. The code is added to Inform Direct ahead of the incorporation or CS01 filing. 


5. Filing early to gain a 12 month window

Confirmation statements filed before 18 November 2025 will not require the personal codes. If a director is hard to reach, or unavailable for a period of time, filing their CS01 early (on or before 17 November 2025) will mean a CS01 containing their personal code will not be required for 12 months from that date. 

Please note the PSC code rules are still being confirmed, so this workaround may not apply for PSC records.