Bailiff

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

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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.

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

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

• visit and write to debtors to ask for payment
• offer money management advice
• arrange for people to repay debts in instalments
• attend court to apply for a warrant to enter property
• serve court papers
• take away goods and arrange for them to be sold at auction
• be responsible for any money and goods recovered
• keep accurate records

You could work in a court or in an office.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.