Implementing the ECCTA 2023: A Progress Update from Companies House (Sep 26)
Category: Company Law & Insolvency | Duration: 1hr | Tag: VODSEFEUK26D2S6 | Type: Video | Course Level: Need to Know | Speaker: Sarah Whitehead | Date: 23/09/2026 16:10
Course Details
The reforms in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 represent the most extensive enhancement to Companies House’s powers since its inception, whilst significantly extending its role. The legislation introduces new powers to disrupt economic crime and drive greater transparency and accountability through the UK’s corporate registers. It also aims to improve the accuracy of Companies House data and strengthen the UK's reputation as a place where legitimate business can thrive. This session sets out these changes in detail, so offering an opportunity for attendees to acquire an in-depth understanding of the implications for their roles.
In this session Sarah Whitehead covers the following topics:
- An overview of the Companies House Strategy 2025-30 and how this is guiding the organisation in delivering the reforms set out in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023
- An update on the planned implementation of accounts reforms set out in the ECCTA
- An update on the implementation of Identity Verification (IDV)
- An outline of the responsibilities of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) and the compliance arrangements for these
- An outline of Companies House new powers to tackle economic crime
CPD Course Speaker
Companies House
Sarah Whitehead
Sarah joined the Civil Service as a patent examiner at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in 2009. Since then, she has held a variety of policy and operational roles at the IPO, before joining Companies House as Director of Strategy, Policy and External Communications in July 2023.
Sarah has experience of domestic legislation, international, trade and innovation policy. In 2019 she was chair of the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Patents. Prior to her current role at Companies House, Sarah was Acting Director of Business and International Policy at the IPO and Deputy Director for Customer Experience within the IPO’s Business Operations Division.
Sarah holds a Masters in Biochemistry from the University of Bath and a PhD from the University of Manchester.
Sarah has experience of domestic legislation, international, trade and innovation policy. In 2019 she was chair of the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Patents. Prior to her current role at Companies House, Sarah was Acting Director of Business and International Policy at the IPO and Deputy Director for Customer Experience within the IPO’s Business Operations Division.
Sarah holds a Masters in Biochemistry from the University of Bath and a PhD from the University of Manchester.