If you want to become a bailiff there’s one thing you’ll need above everything else and that is a ‘Bailiff General Certificate’.
Current legislation means that to operate as a bailiff you need to be certificated, and to obtain this certificate there are certain processes you need to undertake. The process of certification is due to be overhauled in the future, with the SIA (Security Industries Authority) being given the responsibility of ‘licensing’ bailiffs, however there is currently no break-down of how this will be undertaken so potential and existing bailiffs are still required to adhere to the existing system.
Ultimately the decision to grant a certificate is down to the local Magistrate that you apply to, but before you have the opportunity to see the judge a strict set of criteria must be followed throughout the application process. An application fee of £150 must be paid to the courts and a bond of £200 must be put down for the process to be started. After this there must be relevant CCJ and CRB checks undertaken, this is to ensure that potential applicants are fit and proper people to perform the role (minor offences will be considered but must be disclosed). These must be provided and paid for by the applicant. The potential candidate must also take out adverts in their local newspapers to notify of their intention to apply for certification, this is to allow people who may know the applicant to object if they feel they have sufficient grounds to. Finally when these processes have been undertaken, applicants must meet with the Magistrate who makes the decision whether or not to award the certificate. When (s)he has reviewed the application (s)he may ask the applicant questions to ensure that they have the relevant knowledge to perform the role.
There are courses available that can teach you the relevant knowledge that is required to become certificated. Certification is only the first step though, on the job training is essential to ensure that the job is performed safely and correctly. Again, there are on-the-job training courses available but many entrants to the industry will join companies that will guide you through the process from start to finish, these companies are likely to ‘tie you in’ to working for them though due to the financial outlay that must provide to train you up.
Whichever path you decide to follow, at bailiffjob.co.uk we can set you on the route to a successful carrer as a bailiff.
