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Bailiff

Do you want to become a Bailiff? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Bailiffs are responsible for enforcing court orders and taking money or goods from people who have not paid their debts, despite warnings.

Cases usually start by bailiffs writing letters to people, warning them of the future consequences of non-payment. Bailiffs may then request immediate payments, suggest means of paying by instalments, or, in the last resort, seize belongings to the value of the money owed. In Scotland they are known as messengers-at-arms and sheriff officers.

Bailiffs have the right to enter people's homes or businesses to serve documents from a court, or in some cases to evict the occupants. Where property is taken, the bailiffs arrange for it to be sold at auction so the debt can be paid off.

Bailiffs work about 37 hours a week, and this usually includes early mornings, evenings and Saturday work. They spend most of their time visiting debtors, so a driving licence is usually required. Heavy lifting and driving a van may be involved in removing goods.

Salaries may range between £10,000 for entrants to around £25,000 for more senior staff or managers.

A bailiff should:

• be able to deal comfortably with people from a variety of backgrounds
• be assertive and persuasive
• understand and comply with the law
• have good communication skills
• be able to deal calmly with people who may be distressed, angry or threatening.

In England and Wales, court service bailiffs are employed by the Civil Service and other bailiffs are employed by private companies. In Scotland, sheriff officers and messengers-at-arms are employed by private companies, but are commissioned to practice as officers of the court.

In England and Wales there are no minimum qualifications and most entrants are over 21. Applicants must not have a debt record or criminal record. In Scotland, applicants need a minimum of five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including English and maths. Sheriff officers must pass the examination of the Society of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers.

Most training is on the job, although there may be short courses available. In Scotland, training normally takes three years.

In the Civil Service bailiffs may be promoted to bailiff manager, and in private companies to senior bailiff, assistant manager and manager.

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