{"id":6899,"date":"2019-12-09T08:27:52","date_gmt":"2019-12-09T08:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6899"},"modified":"2025-03-17T16:20:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T16:20:17","slug":"what-are-the-model-articles-of-association","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the model articles of association?"},"content":{"rendered":"      <div class='post-lastupdated'>\r\n        <strong>Last updated: 17 Mar 2025<\/strong>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    \n<p>A company&#8217;s articles of association essentially act as its rulebook, specifying the internal rules and regulations the members and directors must follow. Every private and public company formed in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland is legally required to have a set of articles at the time of incorporation.<\/p>\n<p>The model articles are a set of standard articles of association that companies are allowed to adopt for themselves. Below, we explain everything you need to know about them<span data-contrast=\"none\">, including their contents and how to amend them.<\/span><\/p>\n      <div class=\"shortcode bg-sky-100 text-sky-700 marker:text-sky-700 p-6 last:mb-0\" role=\"alert\">\r\n        <h3 class=\"flex items-center text-xl text-sky-700 my-0\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n        <div class=\"text-left flex-auto [&>a]:text-sky-700 [&>a]:font-semibold [&>a]:underline [&>a:hover]:text-sky-500 [&>li]:marker:!text-sky-700\">\r\n          <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The articles of association are a legal document that governs how a company will operate. They\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">legally bind the company, its members, directors, and secretaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">The model articles of association are a default set of articles that companies can adopt. They are automatically prescribed to UK companies at incorporation <span data-contrast=\"none\">unless the initial members choose to use their own bespoke articles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some of the provisions in the model articles include members\u2019 liabilities, directors\u2019 powers, and administrative arrangements. You can change individual provisions and entire articles at any time by passing a special resolution.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    \n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-importance-of-model-articles-of-association\">What is the importance of model articles of association?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The model articles were introduced on 1 October 2009, replacing \u2018Table A\u2019 as the default set of articles for UK limited companies incorporated on or after that date. They are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0a legal document that outlines how a company will run, the members\u2019 and directors\u2019 responsibilities, and how decisions will be made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">They are provided under The Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008, with <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">three versions of the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">odel articles available for three different limited company structures in the UK:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Private companies limited by shares<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Private companies limited by guarantee<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/formation-packages\/plc\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Public limited companies<\/a> (PLC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Model articles of association automatically apply to every UK company upon incorporation unless <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">it<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">adopts<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> altered or bespoke articles instead. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">In reality, most new companies stick with the default provisions, as t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">hey provide an ideal foundation and are most appropriate to small companies <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> limited risk of disputes between shareholders and directors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, it is possible to tailor <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">specific<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> provisions in the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">odel articles or create entirely new ones at any time after incorporation to meet the changing needs of the business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"who-is-bound-by-the-model-articles-of-association\">Who is bound by the model articles of association?<\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Even though the model articles don\u2019t require any signatures, their provisions are legally binding and apply to:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The company<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Members (or guarantors in the case of a private company limited by guarantee)<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Directors<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Secretaries (if applicable)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-included-in-the-model-articles-of-association\">What is included in the model articles of association?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The provisions included in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/model-articles-of-association-for-limited-companies\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">odel articles of association<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> broadly cover five essential areas (where applicable):<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Liability of members<\/strong> \u2013 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shareholders\u2019 or guarantors\u2019 financial liability<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is limited to the fixed nominal value of their shares or guarantees<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Directors<\/strong> \u2013 Powers and responsibilities, procedures for decision making, appointment and termination, remuneration and expenses<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Shares and distributions<\/strong> \u2013 Paying for shares, rights attached to shares, allotment and transfers of shares, payment of dividends, and other distributions<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Decision-making by members<\/strong> \u2013 Organisation of general meetings, voting at general meetings, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> additional decision-making options<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Administrative arrangements<\/strong> \u2013 Permitted forms of company communication, company seal, inspection of company records, directors\u2019 indemnity, and insurance<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:450,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"can-i-use-model-articles-for-a-company-with-one-director-shareholder\">Can I use model articles for a company with one director\/shareholder?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A private limited company always needs at least one director and shareholder. It\u2019s common for one person to be both. Therefore, a company with one director and shareholder can use the model articles <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">despite the ambiguity of Model Article 11(2):<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe quorum for directors\u2019 meetings may be fixed from time to time by a decision of the directors, but it must never be less than two, and unless otherwise fixed it is two.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Naturally, having <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">at least<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> two directors at a general meeting would be impossible in a company <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">with <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">only one director. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">This provision is clearer when combined<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> with Article 7(2):<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cIf &#8211;<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>the company only <strong>has one director<\/strong>, and<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>no provision of the articles requires it to have more than one director,<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>the general rule does not apply, and the director may take decisions without regard to any of the provisions of the articles relating to directors\u2019 decision-making.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW253789720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253789720 BCX0\">The provision for a quorum<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253789720 BCX0\"> (<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW253789720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRestRefresh CommentHighlightRest SCXW253789720 BCX0\">the minimum number of present directors <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW253789720 BCX0\">required<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW253789720 BCX0\">)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW253789720 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253789720 BCX0\">of two directors for meetings only applies to companies with two or more directors.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In summary, it is generally accepted that the model articles can be used for a company with only one director\/shareholder. However, recent court cases have shown that companies may want to amend the articles slightly to ensure there is no ambiguity regarding a sole director&#8217;s ability to make company decisions. All incorporations by Quality Company Formations include provisions in the articles of association to help make this point clear.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-are-model-articles-of-association-not-suitable\">When are model articles of association not suitable?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whilst a great starting point for many new companies, the standardised <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">odel articles will not suit everyone from the outset. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may need to change some provisions<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> or adopt bespoke articles before or after incorporation when:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/formation-packages\/multiple-share-class\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Issuing multiple share classes<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> o<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">r any <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">share class<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> other than Ordinary<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Providing the option to allot <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">unpaid, partly paid, or fully paid shares<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">There will be alternate directors<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Restricting directors\u2019 powers<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Granting additional powers to directors<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Including restrictions on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/transfer-company-shares\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">share transfers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Requiring a private limited company to hold annual general meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Holding virtual meetings and giving electronic notices<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Removing conflict provisions that prevent directors from voting if they have a conflict of interest<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"changing-the-model-articles\">Changing the model articles<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">No two companies are the same, and businesses evolve over time.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> This means you may need to add, remove, or adjust some provisions in the model articles \u2013 or create entirely new articles \u2013 to suit the company\u2019s changing circumstances.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As long as any changes to the model articles abide by company law,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> members can agree to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-amend-a-companys-articles-of-association\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">change the arti<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">cles of association<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> by passing a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/special-resolution\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">special resolution<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> at a general meeting or in writing. This type of decision requires a majority vote of at least 75% of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">eligible<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> shareholder votes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>          <li class=\"marker:!text-primary\">\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/get-articles-of-association\/\" class=\"font-semibold\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span>How do I get articles of association?<\/span><\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n                            <li class=\"marker:!text-primary\">\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/memorandum-and-articles-association\/\" class=\"font-semibold\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span>Memorandum and articles of association for UK limited companies<\/span><\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n                            <li class=\"marker:!text-primary\">\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/information-to-set-up-limited-company\/\" class=\"font-semibold\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span>What information do I need to set up a limited company?<\/span><\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n                  <\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If a company changes its articles, a copy of the new articles and the members\u2019 resolution must be delivered to Companies House within 15 days <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">of agreement.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> If a company <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">reverts<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">m<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">odel articles, there is no need to send a copy of the articles, but Companies House <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">still needs to know about the change and receive a copy of the resolution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"where-do-i-get-articles-of-association-for-my-company\">Where do I get articles of association for my company?<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\">You can set up any type of company online through Quality Company Formations using our affordable and specialist incorporation packages, including <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW111956643 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/formation-packages\/multiple-share-class\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW111956643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRestRefresh CommentHighlightRest SCXW111956643 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">private companies limited by shares<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed CommentHighlightRest SCXW111956643 BCX0\">and<\/span> <\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW111956643 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/formation-packages\/guarantee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW111956643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW111956643 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">private companies limited by guarantee<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW111956643 BCX0\">. Your incorporation includes a modified form of articles of association.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\">Once Companies House has approved your application, we will email you your articles of association and other incorporation documents.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111956643 BCX0\"> The entire company formation process usually takes less than 24 hours.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our Company Secretarial Team can also provide new articles for existing companies, including bespoke and sole director provisions.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"in-summary\">In summary<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Model articles of association are a standard set of articles of association that companies can choose to adopt at incorporation or at a later point. They provide standard rules for running the company and the members\u2019 and officers\u2019 roles and responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">They are a legally binding document. However, you can change them at any time by passing a special resolution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you prefer to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/formation-packages\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">form a company<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> under bespoke articles, Quality Company Formations can help you with this. We offer various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/corporate-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">corporate services<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, including drafting articles of association tailored to your company\u2019s requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thanks for reading. For more articles like this, take a look at the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Quality Company Formations blog<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. If you have any comments or questions about the topics discussed above, please post them below, and a member of our team will get back to you.<\/span><\/p>\n      <div class=\"shortcode shortcode-image\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/fully-inclusive-package\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\"\r\n            src=\"https:\/\/cdn-quality.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/custom\/images\/blog\/qcf-blog_sidebar.png?v=4\"\r\n            alt=\"Fully Inclusive Package\"\r\n            class=\"md:hidden\"\r\n            loading=\"lazy\"\r\n          \/>\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\"\r\n            src=\"https:\/\/cdn-quality.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/custom\/images\/blog\/qcf-blog_banner.png?v=4\"\r\n            alt=\"Fully Inclusive Package\"\r\n            class=\"hidden md:block\"\r\n            loading=\"lazy\"\r\n          \/>\r\n        <\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    \n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A company&#8217;s articles of association essentially act as its rulebook, specifying the internal rules and regulations the members and directors must follow. Every private and public company formed in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland is legally required to have a set of articles at the time of incorporation. The model articles are a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-compliance-legal-filings"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.9 (Yoast SEO v24.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Are the Model Articles of Association?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Model articles are the default governing document for UK limited companies. Learn about their contents, purpose, and key details.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What are the model articles of association?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Model articles are the default governing document for UK limited companies. Learn about their contents, purpose, and key details.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Quality Formations Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-12-09T08:27:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-17T16:20:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Default.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"750\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Nicholas Campion\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Nicholas Campion\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Are the Model Articles of Association?","description":"Model articles are the default governing document for UK limited companies. Learn about their contents, purpose, and key details.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"What are the model articles of association?","og_description":"Model articles are the default governing document for UK limited companies. Learn about their contents, purpose, and key details.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/","og_site_name":"Quality Formations Blog","article_published_time":"2019-12-09T08:27:52+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-03-17T16:20:17+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1500,"height":750,"url":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Default.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Nicholas Campion","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Nicholas Campion","Estimated reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/","url":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/","name":"What Are the Model Articles of Association?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-model-articles-of-association\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Default.jpg","datePublished":"2019-12-09T08:27:52+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-17T16:20:17+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/55c0555d374a517d89f4b8526550af9e"},"description":"Model articles are the default governing document for UK limited companies. 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Nick is also Company Secretary for the BSQ Group and all subsidiary brands, an accredited industry leader and a Companies Act 2006 specialist.","jobTitle":"Director, Company Secretarial","url":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/author\/ncampion\/"}]}},"views":26078,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6899"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6899\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13447,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6899\/revisions\/13447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}