Overview
As part of our recruitment process for this bailiff vacancy, we aim to support candidates by sharing interview questions in advance. If you are selected for interview, you will receive the questions relating to the assessed behaviours when we notify you that you are required to book your interview slot. This will help you prepare and reflect on relevant examples from your experience. During the interview, the panel will ask follow-up questions to explore your responses in more depth and gain further insight into your skills and experience. Please note that strengths-based questions will not be shared in advance.
Assessed behaviours
* Making Effective Decisions
* Managing a Quality Service
* Communicating & Influencing
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Your role and expectations
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. The Bailiff role in HMCTS currently attracts a £2,000 per annum allowance. The Bailiff allowance is role specific, non-pensionable and can be reviewed, removed and/or changed at any time without notice and would end when moving to a different role. Standard full-time working hours are 37 hours per week. HMCTS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs and are agreed prior to appointment. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ\s Flexible Working policy. Applications for part-time working would be considered however due to the nature of the role the minimum hours would be 30 hours per week.
Interviews will be held in person and are expected to take place on W/C 23 February 2026. Requests for alternate dates/virtual interviews will only be considered in exceptional circumstances or as part of a reasonable adjustment.
Qualifications and requirements
Level of security checks required: DBS Standard.
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. 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 focused 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.
You may use your own car or, following successful completion of your probation period, a lease car (UK driving licence required for a lease car) with a full licence entitling you to drive permanently in Great Britain being 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 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. This role is within HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and is not to be confused with private bailiffs. We are committed to delivering justice for everybody in the UK and aim to be diverse and representative of the people we serve.
Applications and diversity
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 (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, and ability to use technology for inputting emails, etc. You may use examples from work, education, volunteering, or other relevant experiences. We strongly encourage you to use the full word count and provide personalised, real-life evidence clearly linking your experience to the essential criteria. Evidence of Experience: CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability.
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. We have a responsibility to deliver a Justice system that is accessible to everyone and operates efficiently.
The MoJ offers a range of benefits including annual leave, pension options, training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements. Details are provided in the official recruitment materials.
We are an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident employer. If you require adjustments during the recruiting process, we will make reasonable adjustments to support you.
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