Bailiff

Ministry of Justice; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in the UK is seeking a Bailiff. This role requires excellent communication and customer service skills, with the opportunity to work flexibly. As a Bailiff, you will visit individuals in their homes, ensuring empathy and respect. Full training is provided, along with the potential for flexible working arrangements. Candidates must possess a valid UK driving licence and be comfortable managing sensitive situations. Salary includes a specific Bailiff allowance, and part-time patterns are considered.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Full PPE and safety training

Lease car option after probation

Qualifications

• Be fit to drive and have a valid EU or UK Driving licence.
• Must have owned a road-worthy vehicle for work purposes.
• Experience in managing emotionally charged situations.

Responsibilities

• Visit people in homes and businesses, explaining the reasons for visits.
• Conduct duties while ensuring the respect for all customers met.
• Participate in receiving training on court's case management systems.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer service skills

Ability to handle difficult conversations

Empathy for court users

Education

Valid EU or UK Driving licence

Experience in customer service

Tools

IT proficiency

Job description

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. Assess‑ed behaviours are:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating & Influencing

Your role 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 and flexible, then working as a bailiff may be the job for 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. You will be able to plan your days to manage your workload but should be adaptable. 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‑judgemental but focussed on carrying out your role whilst fully respecting the customers that you meet. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive team. Our work is varied and rewarding, attracting people from all backgrounds and walks of life. You will receive full bailiff training which includes training on the Court Management systems and then are further supported with mentoring from an experienced member of staff whilst out in the field. 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 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.

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. 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 over 5 days.

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 here.

Additional Information Working Arrangements & Further Information The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where 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. For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location's respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended). Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made. MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer. All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet. 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, where 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.

• A driving licence.
• A road worthy vehicle is essential for the role.

Statement of Suitability Guidance for the Statement of Suitability As stated in the job advert and accompanying guidance, applicants are required to submit a 500‑word personal statement addressing the following prompt: "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 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

As a Bailiff you will play a vital role working on the front line, dealing with people who are at some of the most challenging points of their lives.

Driving is an essential part of the job role and in order to apply you must: Be fit to drive and have a valid EU or UK Driving licence. You must have access to and be able and ready to use your own car for work purposes, we will not be able to progress you to appointment if you do not have a vehicle at the point of offer. If you have a UK licence, after completion of your probation period, you have the option to take part in the Department's car leasing scheme. Please note; (i) for insurance purposes, drivers of lease vehicles, pool or hire cars must have a UK driving licence for over 12 months (ii) Drivers using their own car must have insurance for work related travel; and (iii) all work mileage is paid for in accordance with the allowances in place, as amended from time to time.

Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Managing a Quality Service

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.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever 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

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. There 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 directly to senior management. There 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 [e-mail]);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ([e-mail]);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

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.