County Court Bailiff

Overview

This role is located at Worthing County Court, BN11 1JD. As a Bailiff within HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), an agency of the Ministry of Justice, you will perform a crucial frontline function in the UK's justice system, supporting legal processes and interacting with individuals facing challenging circumstances.

About HMCTS

HMCTS supports the delivery of justice across England and Wales, ensuring the legal system is accessible and efficient. The service protects fundamental rights and vulnerable community members, including families in crisis, claimants, and commercial entities.

Role Highlights

A Bailiff plays a vital part in delivering justice by visiting people’s homes and businesses to enforce court orders. The role demands excellent communication skills, empathy, adaptability, and the ability to manage emotionally sensitive situations while maintaining professionalism and respect.

You will manage your daily workload independently but be ready to accommodate last-minute changes. The position involves working away from an office environment, often alone or in small teams.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

• Engage effectively with court users, demonstrating empathy and non-judgmental approaches while clearly explaining legal obligations.
• Assess situations quickly and adapt your approach accordingly, often in high-pressure environments.
• Maintain strong communication and persuasive abilities to enforce court orders compassionately.
• Plan and adjust/workload management daily, demonstrating flexibility and leadership.
• Use IT skills confidently to navigate court case management systems and receive training when required.

Additional Information

• A valid full UK driving licence is essential, allowing permanent driving in Great Britain; a car can be personal or a lease car provided after probation, with fuel allowances.
• Full personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training are provided.
• The workweek is standard full-time, 37 hours per week, considered business-critical.
• Salary is £29,303 per annum with an additional £8,489 contribution towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension.
• Benefits include learning and development opportunities, flexible working options, inclusive culture, a generous pension scheme, annual leave, public holidays, and season ticket advances.
• This position requires passing criminal record checks and security clearance.
• Applicants must possess legal right to work in the UK under current immigration rules; HMCTS does not sponsor new Skilled Worker visas as of 22 July 2025, though transitional provisions may apply.
• Applicants from specified nationalities and statuses are encouraged, including UK nationals, Irish nationals, eligible Commonwealth, EU and EEA nationals, and others meeting certain legal rights.
• The Civil Service promotes diversity, equal opportunity, and supports candidates with disabilities under the Disability Confident Scheme.
• The role assesses candidates on behaviours such as Communication and Influencing, Managing Quality Service, and Making Effective Decisions utilizing Success Profiles.

Application Guidance

Applicants are encouraged to provide honest and personally experienced information. Plagiarism, including use of untruthful AI-generated content, may result in disqualification. Feedback is only provided to interviewees or those undergoing assessment.

For any questions regarding recruitment or vetting, applicants can contact the recruitment enquiries team via email or phone.