There are less than four weeks to go until directors and other individuals involved in the running of businesses will be required to adopt government’s new accounts and ID platform

With less than one month to go until business directors will need to verify their identity using the GOV.UK One Login system, “Companies House is continuing to develop alternative options” for those disadvantaged by the requirement, a minister has indicated.

From 18 November everyone newly appointed as a director or person with significant control (PSC) of a company will be asked to complete a verification process using One Login – the new government-wide sign-in and identity system. Existing directors and PSCs will also need to do so at some point within the next year.

Anyone unable to access One Login is instructed that they can prove their identity via an entity ratified by Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider – a categorisation that includes the likes of accountants and solicitors.

As well as these routes, small business minister Blair McDougall indicated that government is also considering possible other options for individuals in scope of the new identity-check requirements.

“Companies House is continuing to develop alternative options that will offer more support to individuals who are unable to verify their identities through the standard route,” the minister said, in answer to a parliamentary question from fellow Labour MP Kate Osamor.

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McDougall added: “Further guidance will be issued but, in the meantime, Companies House is ensuring that staff are on hand to help users who require assistance via its helpline and by email.”

As of the beginning of last week, GOV.UK One Login is also required for all Companies House accessing the organisation’s online services to set up a new company or file documents including annual accounts or other official filings,

In an update announcing the introduction of the new sign-in system, Companies House said: “We’re introducing a single sign-in that will make it easier and more secure for companies and business owners to access our services. The move to GOV.UK One Login means companies of all sizes will benefit from a more secure, consistent way of accessing our services – giving greater assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK.”

It added: “From [13 October], when you sign in to WebFiling, you’ll be prompted to connect your WebFiling account to GOV.UK One Login. You will not be able to access WebFiling without connecting to GOV.UK One Login.”