Identity verification updates for leaders in academy trusts: What you need to know

Identity verification (IDV) is being introduced for academy trusts to comply with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. 

This requires all companies, including academy trusts (and other education companies registered at Companies House), to verify the identities of their directors and persons with significant control (PSC) in a bid to combat economic crime and improve transparency in corporate governance.

In this article, we explain the key steps academy trusts must take to ensure a coordinated and timely approach to IDV compliance.

Key IDV points for directors and PSCs in academies 

Companies House has confirmed that from 18 November 2025, it will become compulsory (signalling the end of the voluntary period) for company directors and PSCs to go through an identity verification process, which can be done digitally using documents like a passport and driving licence or manually, if digital options are not available. 

From this date, leaders in academy trusts will be able to check on Companies House the dates by which they must complete their IDV. 

This is particularly important for companies with confirmation statement filing dates at the end of the year. Given this is not too far away, and with the start of a busy term, it makes early preparation and action around IDV essential for your company to ensure that there are no delays or risks to business as usual for your school, trust or institution. 

You should note that if an individual holds a role for more than one company, they will have to link their verified IDV to the positions held with the personal code (unique identifier number) provided at the end of the IDV process. It is essential individuals keep hold of this code.  

New directors and PSCs will need to be verified before they can take up the role. Acting as a director before IDV will constitute an offence. 

Directors

• Individuals who are current directors will have until the date of their next annual confirmation statement falling after 18 November 2025 to complete the IDV.
• Individuals appointed after 18 November must complete their IDV before their appointment can be formally registered and before they act in the role. 

PSCs

For PSCs the process is slightly different, every PSC has a 14-day period during which they must submit a statement confirming they have verified their identity, along with their Companies House personal code. The dates of this 14-day period are different for each PSC, and depend on if:

• they are already a PSC when identity verification requirements are introduced on 18 November 2025; and
• they are also a director of the company.

The elements for you to consider are:

• If they are registered as a PSC after 18 November 2025, their 14-day period starts from the date they register with Companies House.
• If they are already a PSC on 18 November 2025, their 14-day period starts from the company’s confirmation statement date - if they are also a director of the company.
• If they are not a director of the company, their 14-day period starts from the first day of their month of birth, as it is shown on the Companies House register. 

As you can see there is a lot to consider and being able to check the Companies House register to see the IDV due dates for roles will be crucial in ensuring there is no delay in actioning any changes or filing of key documents or statements. 

Verifying your ID

Before your next confirmation statement

The quickest way for most individuals to verify their identity will be through the GOV.UK One Login portal. We have prepared a mini-guide to help you smoothly navigate through the IDV process, complete with practical recommendations and top tips. In addition, Companies House has published new guidance regarding IDV. There is also the option to utilise the Post Office, however as a reminder, this also requires the individuals to use the One Login portal as well.

If individuals are struggling with One Login then Companies House have provided a very useful document setting out what you can and cannot do to help someone in the IDV process.

Next steps for academy trust directors and PSCs

• Proactive IDV: Although the mandatory deadline is still months ahead, we recommend all academy trust directors and PSCs to complete IDV voluntarily at the earliest opportunity. The verification process is both swift and cost-free through the GOV.UK One Login platform.
• Unique identifier number: It is essential that directors and PSCs maintain secure records of their unique identifier number as you will need these numbers for each of your directors/trustees and PSCs in order to file your confirmation statements and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Communication monitoring: Academy trusts must actively monitor their registered email addresses to ensure they receive all relevant correspondence from Companies House concerning IDV.
• Note the date for compliance date verification: From 18 November 2025, directors and PSCs should regularly review the Companies House register to confirm the IDV deadlines of the positions within the trust structure.

See our guide to the online process for IDV