Bailiffs work on behalf of county courts, local authorities and civil enforcement agencies and play an important part in the collection of debt, either by removing a debtor’s possessions, repossessing their property or conducting evictions. Goods and property can be recovered to pay for court fines and orders, council tax and rent arrears, and unpaid mortgage bills
Much of the work involves travelling to debtors’ premises, serving papers and keeping accurate records. The work may be part-time or full-time and will often involve working weekends, evenings and early mornings. A driving licence and sometimes use of a vehicle are often requirements of the job
Relevant experience is more important than academic qualifications, although basic literacy and numeracy skills are needed. Work involving the collection of rent, council tax or parking fines can be undertaken only by those holding the bailiff’s general certificate, which can be obtained by completing a County Court application and paying a security bond of £10,000. Depending on experience, salaries range from £13,000 to £25,000.

• Being able to deal with many people discretely.
• Being persuasive and assertive.
• Having abilities to put together a repayment plan.
• Having competent computer skills.
• Having good judgment.
• Being able physically to lift and remove goods.
• Having an excellent knowledge of laws.
• Having competent math skills.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having negotiation skills.

There is no formal qualification required to be a Bailiff. Employers require competent communication skills and good math knowledge. Another requirement is to have five GCSE’s (A-C) as a minimum, including Math and English. There are Normal Civil Service recruitment procedures for court service applicants.

Among other requirements, applicants cannot have criminal record or debts. Criminal Records Bureau/Disclosure Scotland and Country Court Judgment will be used to check those records. It is recommended to have a driving licence for this job placement.