Board Resolution For General Authorisation Template for England and Wales

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What is a Board Resolution For General Authorisation?

A board resolution for general authorisation delegates a defined range of powers from the board to one or more named individuals, enabling them to act on the company's behalf without requiring a specific resolution each time. Under the Companies Act 2006, directors may delegate freely within the limits of the articles. The resolution must specify the scope and financial limits of the authority granted, and be retained in the company's statutory records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board resolution for general authorisation?

It's a resolution by which the board delegates a broad set of powers to one or more named individuals, allowing them to act on the company's behalf across a range of matters without needing a specific resolution for each individual act. It is useful for operational efficiency in well-governed companies.

What can a general authorisation cover?

Typical examples include authority to sign contracts below a specified value, to open and operate bank accounts, to negotiate with suppliers, to execute standard commercial agreements, or to represent the company in regulatory correspondence. The scope should be clearly defined.

What are the risks of a broad general authorisation?

An overly broad authorisation could allow the authorised person to bind the company to significant obligations without specific board oversight. Directors remain responsible for the acts of those they authorise, so limits on value, subject matter, and duration are essential risk controls.

Should the resolution set financial limits?

Yes. Best practice is to specify a maximum financial commitment the authorised person may make without further board approval. Common thresholds might range from a few thousand pounds for operational procurement to higher amounts for senior executives with commercial responsibility.

Can the general authorisation be revoked?

Yes. The board may revoke or vary a general authorisation at any time by passing a further resolution. Revocation should be communicated promptly to anyone relying on the authorisation, including banks and key counterparties, to prevent the company being bound by acts after revocation.

Does a general authorisation need to be a deed?

Not usually. Unless the authorisation requires the authorised person to execute deeds on the company's behalf (in which case a deed-form power of attorney is needed), a board resolution in ordinary written or minuted form is sufficient.

Should the authorised person be told about their authorisation?

Yes. The authorised person should be informed in writing of the scope of their authority, any limits, and the conditions attached to it. This reduces the risk of them acting outside the authority granted and ensures they understand their obligations to the company.

Reviewed by

Swetha Meenal

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

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A lawyer, legal researcher and legal tech founder, Swetha has built AI products deployed inside Tier 1 firms and enterprises. She ensures GenieAI's alignment with the latest regulation and executes testing on the legal robustness of Genie output.

Reviewed by

Imad Mohammed Nazar

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

Imad Mohammed Nazar profile photo

A Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Imad advised on cross-border transactions and contractual risk before moving into legal AI. He reviews GenieAI's output for compliance and enforceability across our 150+ supported jurisdictions, as well as facilitating external benchmarking.

Jurisdiction

England and Wales

Publisher

GenieAI

Sector

Business

Cost

Free to use

Last updated

About the Board Resolution For General Authorisation

A Board Resolution For General Authorisation is a formal corporate document that allows your company's board of directors to delegate specific powers and authority to designated individuals within your organization. This resolution serves as official documentation that certain officers, managers, or employees have been granted the legal authority to act on behalf of your company in defined capacities, ensuring business operations can continue efficiently while maintaining proper corporate governance.

When do you need this document?

You need this resolution when your company requires formal delegation of authority for day-to-day operations or specific business transactions. This typically occurs when appointing new officers who need authority to sign contracts, authorize expenditures, open bank accounts, or represent the company in legal matters. The resolution is also essential when existing authority needs to be modified, expanded, or clarified, particularly following organizational changes or when entering new business ventures that require different levels of authorization.

Key legal considerations

The resolution must clearly define the scope and limitations of the authority being granted to prevent unauthorized actions that could expose your company to liability. Key provisions should specify the types of transactions covered, monetary limits for financial decisions, duration of the authorization, and any reporting requirements. You must ensure the resolution aligns with your company's bylaws and articles of incorporation, as these documents may impose restrictions on delegation of authority. The resolution should also include proper certification procedures and specify whether the authority can be sub-delegated to other parties. Additionally, consider including provisions for revocation of authority and notification procedures to ensure proper corporate control.

Legal requirements in United States

Under United States corporate law, board resolutions must comply with both state corporation laws and federal securities regulations. If your company is incorporated in Delaware, the Delaware General Corporation Law governs the board's authority to delegate powers and establish proper corporate procedures. For publicly traded companies, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act imposes additional requirements for internal controls and accountability in financial reporting and authorization processes. The Securities Exchange Act may also apply if the authorized actions involve securities transactions or public company reporting obligations. Your resolution must follow your state's corporate formalities, including proper notice procedures, quorum requirements for board meetings, and documentation standards. Some states require specific language or certification procedures for authority delegation, particularly for banking and financial transactions. Federal banking regulations may also impose additional requirements if the resolution involves financial institution relationships or electronic fund transfers.

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