What Is GOV.UK One Login?

GOV.UK One Login is a new government service, to access the online government digital services. It aims to simplify access by allowing users to use just one account, one username, and one password to interact with various central government services. No more juggling multiple credentials or repeating the same information—it should be  step toward a more user-friendly and efficient experience.

Companies House Takes the Leap

From autumn 2024, Companies House—the UK’s registrar of companies—will begin migrating its online services to GOV.UK One Login. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Phased Implementation:

• Private Beta: Initially, a select group of users of the “Find and Update Company Information” service will be invited to sign in using GOV.UK One Login. This phase allows Companies House to test the system with a smaller audience.
• Public Beta: Subsequently, all users of the same service will have the option to use GOV.UK One Login to sign in. This broader rollout ensures wider adoption and feedback.
• Full Implementation: Once the public beta phase is complete, every user signing in to the “Find and Update Company Information” service will need to use GOV.UK One Login.

2. WebFiling Service Transition:

• The Companies House WebFiling service will also move to GOV.UK One Login. While the exact date for this transition is yet to be announced, users should receive ample notice, by email and press releases.
• WebFiling users should prepare for this change and stay informed about the timeline.

3. Identity Verification:

• Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, individuals involved in setting up, running, owning, or controlling UK companies will need to verify their identity.
• GOV.UK One Login will facilitate this identity verification process directly with Companies House. It’s a step toward enhancing security and ensuring transparency.

What Does This Mean for Businesses?

• ‍Simplified Access: Businesses interacting with Companies House will benefit from streamlined access. One set of credentials for multiple services means less hassle and more productivity. This will replace the multiple logins required currently, for different services. ‍
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for newsletters and official announcements. Companies House will provide updates on the transition and any additional services moving to GOV.UK One Login.‍
• Plan Ahead: If you’re a business owner, consider how this change affects your processes. Update your internal procedures and inform relevant team members.

Remember, change is inevitable, but preparation makes it manageable. As Companies House embraces GOV.UK One Login, let’s adapt together for a more efficient and secure future.

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