Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what procedures the Insolvency Service uses to assess the risk of further harm where allegations about a director’s conduct are under investigation and that director continues to establish or manage companies.

The Insolvency Service considers the nature, seriousness and immediacy of alleged harm, the available evidence, any pattern of repeat conduct and the director’s involvement in other companies. Information may be checked against intelligence held by the Insolvency Service and, where appropriate and lawful, shared with or referred to partner bodies.

A director whose conduct is under investigation may continue to establish or manage companies unless legally restricted; however, credible evidence of ongoing or further misconduct may be taken into account when determining the most appropriate civil, criminal or regulatory response.