Bailiff

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday). Whilst the role is full time only, HMCTS operates a flexible approach to working hours to suit both individual and business needs. Your exact working hours will be agreed by your line manager.

Occasional travel to other courts

Whilst the post holder will be based at either Milton Keynes County Court and Family Court, MK9 2DT or Reading County Court and Family Court, RG1 1HE there will be a requirement to work flexibly across the local area and at other local HMCTS sites. applicable, travel time and associated expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with HMCTS policies and procedures.

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.

For further information please see the following link:

Becoming an HMCTS Bailiff: Flexible Hours, Real Support, Real Impact

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-judgmental 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.

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.