Bailiff
Law and legal

How to become a bailiff

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could do a credit control and debt collection specialist advanced apprenticeship before moving into bailiff work.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Direct application

Your employer will give you the training you need to get a Bailiff General Certificate. You'll need this before you can carry out any bailiff duties by yourself.

You'll need to:

• prove to a county court judge that you’re a ‘fit and proper person', with no criminal or debt record
• have knowledge of bailiff law
• put a £10,000 bond in place with the court - you can take out an insurance policy to cover this
• provide 2 references

You'll find it useful to have:

• work experience in sales, the military, the prison service (HMPPS), housing or the police
• experience in dealing with the public in difficult situations

To work as a court-appointed bailiff or high court enforcement officer you may also need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.

More info

Further information You can find details on relevant training for enforcement officers from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management. You can find out how to train as a high court enforcement officer from the High Court Enforcement Officers Association.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of public safety and security
• sensitivity and understanding
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your work will depend on the type of bailiff you are. In this role you could be:

• visiting and writing to debtors to ask for payment
• offering money management advice
• arranging for people to repay debts in instalments
• attending court to apply for a warrant to enter property
• serving court papers
• taking away goods and arranging for them to be sold at auction
• being responsible for any money and goods recovered
• keeping accurate records

Working environment

You could work in a court or in an office. Your working environment may be you'll travel often and physically demanding.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience you could move into a supervisory role, leading a team of bailiffs. You could also move into senior management or business development.