Consent to act as a director template
Before a person becomes a director, they sign a consent to act. Section 201D of the Corporations Act provides that a company must not appoint a person as a director of the company unless the person has given the company a signed consent to act as a director, and the company must keep the consent. The consent is a short document, but it is a real step in a valid appointment.
Why the consent matters
The consent confirms that the person understands they are being appointed and agrees to take on the office and its duties. It protects both the company and the individual: the company has evidence of a valid appointment, and the individual is not appointed without their agreement. The company keeps the signed consent with its records, and the appointment is then notified to ASIC.
When the consent is used
The consent is signed before the appointment takes effect, whether the director is appointed by the board, by members, or under the constitution. It pairs with the company notification to ASIC of the appointment under section 205B, which is generally lodged using Form 484 within the period set by the Act. Keeping the consent and lodging the notification on time are two parts of getting an appointment on the record properly.
Key fields in the template
- The company name and ACN - The full name and address of the person consenting - A statement that the person consents to act as a director of the company - The date of the consent - The person signature
A sample structure
Consent to act as a director of [Company].
I, [full name] of [address], consent to act as a director of [Company] (ACN [number]).
Signed: [person], date.
Good practice
Obtain the signed consent before the appointment takes effect, not after. Keep the consent with the company records, and update the register of directors. Lodge the appointment with ASIC within the period set by the Act. Where the appointment is one of several changes, keep each consent with the relevant change so the record is complete.
Generate this in Quorum
Quorum produces the consent to act, records the signed document against the person and the entity, updates the register of directors, and tracks the section 205B notification deadline so you never miss it. This helps you comply with sections 201D and 205B and supports your obligations. The company remains responsible for compliance.
Part of the Cohiva platform
Quorum is part of the Cohiva platform. Learn more at [www.cohiva.com](https://www.cohiva.com). To collect the signature, [Cohiva Sign](https://www.cohiva.com) provides e-signatures, and signed board resolutions flow back into the record.