Bailiff
Job Description:Bailiffs visit properties to collect debts, serve a court document or give a notice or summons.
Job Category:What you will do:
Bailiffs work in 2 main roles:
- court-appointed officers – county court bailiffs and civilian or high court enforcement officers
- certificated bailiffs – working for private firms known as civil enforcement agencies, collecting debts for their clients
Your work will depend on the type of bailiff you are. In both roles, your tasks could include:
- 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
- arranging for goods to be sold at auction
- being responsible for any money and goods recovered
- keeping accurate records
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- 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 (teamwork)
- sensitivity and understanding
- thinking and reasoning skills
Entry Requirements:
Requirements could vary from country to country.
In the UK, however, you could start as a trainee bailiff. Your employer will then give you the training you need to get a Bailiff General Certificate. You’ll need the certificate before you can carry out any bailiff duties by yourself.
To get the certificate you’ll need to:
- prove to a county court judge that you’re a ‘fit and proper person’, with no criminal or debt record, and 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
- pass enhanced background checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
You may also find it useful to have:
- work experience in sales, the military, the prison service, housing, or the police
- experience in dealing with the public and handling 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) or equivalent, including English and maths.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. You’ll have to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends. You may often work on your own.
You’ll need to have a reasonable level of personal fitness as you’ll often be lifting and carrying goods.
You’ll usually have an office but will spend most of your time travelling to visit people who owe money.
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.