How To Be A Bailiff?

* please note that our training courses are delivered by Mr Andrew John Coates who has over 20 years experience in the enforcement industry, and has not learned what he teaches by sitting in a classroom, but by actually knocking on doors and visiting commercial premises to levy distress.

Read more information about our training courses: What I Will Learn?

WHAT IS A BAILIFF

A Bailiff is a person with the Legal Authority to enforce the payment of debts by seizing the debtor's goods.

This process is known as 'distress'. Distress is an old English word that means to take and lock up goods. Debt collectors do not have this authority.

WHO CAN BE A BAILIFF

Anyone from any background it does not matter what sex, race, size or age (must be over 18). We know hundreds of Bailiffs from various different backgrounds. Some are ex-Police or ex-Forces but the vast majority are just ordinary people who were sick and bored of their mundane jobs and wanted to do something interesting. We deal on a daily basis with ex-teachers, ex-wagon drivers, ex-sales staff and ex-financial services staff. The only qualification must be the ability and confidence to communicate professionally with people of all levels.

DO I NEED A LICENCE?

No, not a licence but a Certificate at present, although an SIA licence is on the cards for the future. In order to gain your Bailiff Certificate the Distress For Rent Act says that amongst other things (details given on Course) you will need

A) A reference from a person or organisation who can testify to your knowledge of the Laws of Distress. By completing this course we will provide you with this reference and a Certificate of Attendance.

B) The District Judge that issues your certificate may question you on your knowledge of the laws of distress to ensure you have sufficient knowledge.

By completing our course you should gain the basic knowledge necessary to answer confidently and correctly any questions the Judge puts to you.

WHAT WILL IT COST TO SET UP?

The cost to become a Bailiff varies depending on geographical location due to the cost of newspaper advertising. However an estimate of around £1200.00 would be enough to start. But note that some of these costs will be incurred every two years as renewals will be required.

The overall costs are made up as follows: -

£350.00 - Training Course costs (inclusive of buffet lunch/tea/coffee).

Then there are additional steps you will need to take once you have completed the course: -

£175.00 Application fee to the County Court

£200.00 - £300.00 Bailiff bond

£23.00 CRB Disclosure

£16.00 CCJ search

£400.00 - £500.00 Newspaper advert

WHO IS THE AUTHOR?

The author is Andy Coates M.A.B.I., M.E.S.A., M.A.C.E.A.

Andy has been in the Enforcement business for over 21 years as both a Bailiff and as a Manager/Director, passed the examination of The Enforcement Services Association ESA (formerly The Certificated Bailiffs Association CBA) and has a vast experience of enforcement work.

Andy's Bailiff experience includes Distress for Commercial Rent, Forfeiture of Commercial Leases, 1991 Road Traffic Act Debt, Council Tax and National Non Domestic rates, Child Support Act Debt, Magistrate Court Fines, and Arrest / Committal Warrants.

Andy is a member of The Enforcement Services Association ESA (formerly The Certificated Bailiffs Association CBA), Association of Civil Enforcement Agents ACEA, Association of British Investigators ABI (former Northern Branch Chairman and current Governing Council member), National Association of Investigators and Process Servers NAIPS (Association President) and International Professional Security Association IPSA.

WHERE WILL I GET WORK?

Earnings as a Bailiff are always dependant upon geographical location, types of work undertaken and how good you are at the job. These can typically range from £500.00 - £1500.00 per week!

You will have to market local solicitors, landlords, other Bailiff companies and letting agents who supply this type of work. We are often looking for Bailiffs across the UK on a sub-contracting basis.

WHERE IS THE COURSE HELD?

One day course - 09:00 hours until 17:00 hours

Location - Darlington (North East England)

We run our courses every 2-3 months.

NEXT COURSE DATE - 6th MARCH 2012

If you wish to have a no obligation chat with a member of staff please contact our offices on the below numbers: -

HEAD OFFICE - 0844 414 2131

LONDON OFFICE - 0207 096 0319

or alternatively please email us for details on: - training@alpha1legal.co.uk