Book excerpt: The Director's Handbook, first published in 2005, filled a gap in the market by providing a practical guide to key issues facing board directors and senior business decision-makers in the UK. Now, with far-reaching changes in directors' duties and other principles of company law, this new edition updates and explains the laws which affect the way every director does their job. It deals with all aspects of a company director's role, duties, responsibilities and liabilities within the context of the current law and good practice. Written by leading experts and fully supported by research findings, this 3rd edition also contains case studies from companies of varying sizes and sectors, plus new chapters on the role of the company secretary plus the latest legal developments in the health and safety arena. The Director's Handbook is the essential reference and source of advice for all new and existing directors, as well as those who aspire to this position.