According to the Companies Act 2006, what is one of the duties of directors?

One of the fundamental duties of directors according to the Companies Act 2006 is to act within their powers and for the purpose given. This duty emphasizes that directors must operate within the scope of authority defined by the company's constitution and exercise their powers in accordance with the purpose for which they were conferred.

This principle is crucial for maintaining good governance as it ensures that directors do not exceed their legal authority or act in ways that are detrimental to the company's interests. Essentially, directors are entrusted with managing the company's affairs, and by adhering to this duty, they are expected to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

In contrast, other options present duties that contradict the principles of good corporate governance. Maximizing personal profits runs counter to the essence of a director's responsibility to the company, and disregarding the company's interest completely undermines the trust placed in directors. Additionally, accepting benefits from third parties could lead to conflicts of interest and violates the duty to act in good faith towards the company. Thus, acting within powers and for the intended purpose is a foundational element of a director's role as established by the Companies Act 2006.