Corporate governance

Good governance builds resilient businesses, inspires confidence and reduces risk.

At Moore Barlow, our corporate governance lawyers help boards and owners put effective frameworks in place, comply with the law and make better decisions. We provide clear, commercial advice that aligns governance with strategy and stakeholder expectations.

We combine deep technical knowledge with a practical, calm and solutions‑focused approach. From directors’ duties and board procedures through to ESG advice and  company secretarial services, we support you throughout the corporate life cycle so your leadership team can get on with running the business.

What our corporate governance lawyers do

We advise on the full spectrum of corporate governance needs, tailoring our support to the size, complexity and culture of your organisation. Our services include:

• Governance reviews and health checks against legal and best‑practice benchmarks
• Advice on the Companies Act 2006 and directors’ duties
• Design and implementation of board and committee structures, terms of reference and delegated authorities
• Shareholder agreements, articles of association and reserved matters frameworks
• Company secretarial support, including minutes, resolutions, statutory registers, Companies House filings and AGM/GM advice
• Policies on anti‑bribery, whistleblowing, gifts and hospitality, and data protection
• ESG strategy, reporting and stakeholder engagement, including modern slavery and human rights statements

Directors’ duties and board support

Understanding the duties and liabilities of directors is essential for effective leadership. We give practical advice on duties under the Companies Act 2006, including promoting the success of the company (section 172), exercising independent judgment, reasonable care and skill, and managing conflicts of interest. We help boards plan and evidence their decision‑making, ensuring minutes, board packs and papers are prepared properly and that declarations, approvals and filings are made at the right time.

Frameworks, policies and reporting

We draft and refine the constitutional and policy documents that underpin effective governance. This includes modernising articles of association, aligning shareholder agreements with board practices, and creating reserved matters that protect key decisions while enabling management to operate efficiently. We also write, review and implement core policies on anti‑bribery and corruption, data protection, cybersecurity,  and whistleblowing.

Company secretarial and compliance

Efficient company secretarial support is a cornerstone of good governance. We maintain statutory registers, manage routine and event‑driven Companies House filings, prepare board and shareholder minutes, and advise in relation to AGMs and general meetings. We also advise on the evolving requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), including identity verification, changes to filing requirements and PSC transparency, helping you stay compliant as new measures are phased in.

For groups, we implement governance across subsidiaries, standardising procedures and policies and setting threshold‑based approval processes so the board remains in control without creating bottlenecks.

• Explore our company secretarial legal services

ESG and stakeholder engagement

Expectations on environmental, social and governance matters continue to rise. We help you define material ESG priorities, align them with corporate purpose and risk management, to help you to embed them into board agendas. Our team advises on supply chain diligence and modern slavery.

Why choose our corporate governance team

Clients choose Moore Barlow for governance advice that is technically strong, commercially grounded and easy to put into practice. You will work with lawyers who understand how businesses operate day‑to‑day. We offer partner‑led support, clear communication and transparent pricing. Our corporate governance capability is backed by specialists in corporate transactions, commercial contracts, employment, data protection, regulatory and disputes.

Who we help

• Owner‑managed and family‑owned businesses seeking pragmatic governance frameworks
• Private equity‑backed companies needing robust controls and reporting
• Large private companies
• Listed and companies requiring UK‑focused governance support
• International groups with UK subsidiaries requiring local compliance