Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going.
As a bailiff you will play a vital role in the UK’s Justice System working on the front line, dealing with people who are at some of the most challenging points of their lives.
About us
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an agency of the Ministry of Justice. We provide support for the legal system across England and Wales, ensuring justice works for everyone.
Our Justice system defends our fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a cornerstone of our modern society. It protects some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, from families in crisis to claimants and commercial businesses. We have a responsibility to deliver a Justice system that is accessible to everyone and operates efficiently.
We asked some bailiffs what they loved about their job, and are their responses:
“The abilities you need as a bailiff is the ability to listen, to be a good communicator and you need a persuasive manner to explain that it’s an order from the Courts that has to be carried out, whilst, showing great empathy for customers.
I do love this job, it's only my 3rd job since I left school, I’m 58, my first job I had for around 39 years, I probably haven’t got another 39 left, but if I did, I’d hope I’m still a bailiff.”
“Being a bailiff is incredibly rewarding…you are part of a select group within HMCTS, you can draw on the experience of colleagues who will always be on hand to give advice or support you when needed. It’s not just a job- it’s who you are and how you deliver it.”
Your role
We understand that this role will not suit everyone, but if you like a dynamic job that has different challenges each day a bailiff role may suit you.
To be a successful bailiff, you will be an excellent communicator. You need to be able to swiftly assess circumstances, adapt accordingly and be a confident leader in emotionally charged situations.
As a Bailiff you will be visiting people in their homes and businesses, you must be able to calmly explain why you are visiting and what options are available to help resolve matters. You must be able to demonstrate empathy for court users, be non-judgmental but focussed on carrying out your role whilst fully respecting the customers that you meet.
You will be able to plan your days to manage your workload but be able to cope and adapt with plans changing at short notice.
We give you the option of using your own car or, following successful completion of your probation period, a lease car, (UK driving licence required for a lease car) so a full licence entitling you to drive permanently in Great Britain is essential. Fuel allowances are paid. You will receive full PPE and safety training to give you the knowledge and confidence to conduct your bailiff duties successfully. You should be familiar with using IT and be comfortable with receiving training on the courts case management systems.
If you have excellent customer service skills, prefer working away from an office, enjoy working by yourself or in a small team and like your days to be varied, then working as a bailiff may be the job for you.
Not to be confused with private Bailiffs, this role gives you the opportunity to make a difference in HMCTS and develop your career within the Civil Service.
We’re passionate about delivering Justice for everybody in the UK. That means having a diverse workforce that fully represents the people we serve so if you have the confidence and desire to make a difference and are interested, please apply.
Please refer to the role profile attachment for more information.
Further information:
Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. This is a business-critical role requiring full-time hours.
Skilled Worker Visa
From 22 July 2025, the Government increased the salary threshold and skills level for Skilled Worker visas. This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship in accordance with the current immigration rules if you looking to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for the first time.
The Department cannot consider sponsoring you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your vetting checks and eligibility will be assessed in accordance with the immigration rules and transitional provisions in place.
If you are applying for this role and you do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship (or the transitional provisions), you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes. Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
The Department will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service. You can read more about Skilled Worker visas and the eligibility criteria .
For further information please see the following link:
Becoming an HMCTS Bailiff: Flexible Hours, Real Support, Real Impact
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements w business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, w they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
T is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. T are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected]);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ([email protected]);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available
- )
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wver it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.
Contact Information
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected]
Please quote the job reference: 20419
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected]
Please quote the job reference: 20419
Job Description Attachment
- Bailiff Role Profile English.docx (Job Description Attachment)
Select new file
Application form stage assessments
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Specific licence requirements
A full licence entitling you to drive permanently in Great Britain.
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please tell us why you are suitable for this role. Demonstrate your transferable skills, knowledge, and experience in relation to the essential criteria outlined in the job description: Great communication skills – both written and verbal, Commitment to providing a brilliant service for our customers, Ability to handle difficult conversations. Ability to provide information, quickly and clearly, a real passion for supporting and helping people, ability to use technology for inputting, emails, etc.
You may draw on examples from work, education, volunteering, or other relevant experiences. To achieve the highest scores, we strongly encourage you to use the full word count (500 words).
Provide personalised, real-life evidence, clearly link your experience to the essential criteria.
Please ensure that all information provided is truthful and factually accurate.
Important: Submitting content that is copied or plagiarised—including material generated by others or by artificial intelligence—may result in your application being withdrawn
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
Interviews will be held in person and are expected to take place W/C 14th September 2026. Requests for alternate dates/virtual interviews will only be considered in exceptional circumstances or as part of a reasonable adjustment.
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Managing a Quality Service
Making Effective Decisions
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed .
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. W plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Pay: £29,303.00-£31,061.00 per year
Work Location: In person
