For the purposes of this Guide, a bailiff is a person with 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 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, wagon drivers, sales staff and ex financial services staff. The only qualification must be the ability and confidence to talk to people and ask them for money.

Private Security Industry Act 2001

We run both bailiff and private investigation courses. There is currently no direct regulation of private investigation although you do need a bailiff certificate in order to be a bailiff. In some of the cases you may wish to do, that fall into our remit as private investigators, you may require other licences such as a Consumer Credit Licence. The Security Industry Authority are going to licence private investigators and the last date quoted was 2010. They are also going to look at likening bailiffs.

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 this course you should gain the under pinning knowledge necessary to pass any questions.

What will it cost to set up?

The cost to become a bailiff varies from area to area due to the cost of newspaper advertising. However an estimate of around £1139 would be enough to start. But note that some of the costs will be incurred every two years as renewals will be required.

The overall costs are made up as follows.

• £350 Training Course costs

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

• £150 Application fee to the Court
• £200 Bailiff bond
• £23 CRB Disclosure
• £16 CCJ search
• £400 Newspaper advert £400

Who is the Author?

The author is Andy Coates.

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 is author of the Civil Enforcement Agent Course which was approved by the Association of British Investigators ABI and National Association of Investigators and Process Servers NAIPS.

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?

You will have to market local solicitors, landlords, other bailiff companies and letting agents who supply this type of work. Exclusive to the this course we will give the names and addresses of at least five Companies bailiff companies that are often looking for self employed bailiffs in most area.

If you wish to have a no obligation chat with a member of staff please telephone between 10.30am and 11.30am Monday to Friday.

Other courses that can help you.

How to find people.

Serving legal documents and making repossessions.

Contact Us now for Further Information
or Immediate Direct Action