How are High Court Enforcement Officers Appointed?

High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEO's) execute the Judgments and orders of the High Court and County Courts of England and Wales. They are men and women who are authorised personally by the Lord Chancellor or his designated person pursuant to paragraph 2 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Courts Act 2003 and Regulation 6 of the High Court Enforcement Officers Regulations 2004.

Needless to say the gravity of the appointment means that becoming an Authorised HCEO means training and demonstrating an understanding of legal processes through academic study.

As well as the need to achieve recognised qualifications an individual cannot become an Authorised HCEO unless the conditions in Part 2 paragraph 4 of the High Court Enforcement Officer Regulations 2004 are met which include:

1. No outstanding conviction for a criminal offence involving a custodial sentence involving violence or dishonesty.
2. No outstanding court fines
3. No unsatisfied court judgments within the last six years
4. No status as an undischarged bankrupt.
5. No disqualification as a company director within the last six years.
6. No involvement in any business relating to or including the purchase or sale of debts.

Applications for appointment must be made by individuals in writing to the Lord Chancellor, Ministry of Justice, Selbourne House, Victoria Street, London SW1.The conditions to be met are set out in full in Part 2 of the High Court Enforcement Officer Regulations 2004.

An application should also include details of the applicant’s knowledge of the laws and the practice and procedure of the High Court in relation to enforcement of debts.

Applicants can demonstrate the required level of knowledge in these areas by passing the High Court Enforcement Officers examination.

All are welcome to join our association. The first level of membership is “student membership”. As a student, membership costs £35.00 per year. Once a student has passed our examination they are entitled to apply for Associate Membership. The Association will then support an application to the Lord Chancellor for authorisation. Authorisation of associate members automatically qualifies them to become full members.

The examination is not only intended to provide students with the knowledge of the theory of enforcement but also, crucially to be able to demonstrate students have acquired the practical skills and experience necessary to competently enforce High Court writs.

The accompanying course to train to become an Authorised High Court Enforcement Officer is designed for everyone, regardless of any previous academic achievements.

The course is known as a foundation degree course which is intended to equate to NVQ level 4. Our partners in providing this course are Wolverhampton University and The Institute of Legal Executives. A basic outline of the course is as follows:

Level 1	An introduction to English Law. Organised and run by The Institute of Legal Executives at schools and colleges throughout England and Wales. Also offered at distance learning. Intended for those without any formal qualifications. Completion of the course equates to 4 GCSE passes.
Level 2	Vocational Paralegal Level 2 General Principles of English Law. Contract. Tort, Crime etc. Organised and run by The Institute of Legal Executives at schools and colleges throughout England and Wales. Also offered at distance learning.
Level 3	Vocational Paralegal Level 3 The Institute of Legal Executives course on Civil Procedure. Small Claims etc. At schools and colleges throughout England and Wales. Also offered at distance learning.
Level 4	Work based Modern Apprenticeship Scheme Level 4 is mandatory. Students enter into a two-year modern apprenticeship with a qualifying employer and serve a period of time in four of the core areas of High Court Enforcement and keep a structured record of the work undertaken and experience gained. This log will be externally assessed by Wolverhampton University appointed assessors. Examples of the core areas are: Levying Removals Evictions Accounts Correspondence Litigation Insolvency Health and Safety Information Technology
PLUS	In addition two weeks each year will be spent completing four modules in the law and practice of civil enforcement. Examples of modules are: High Court and County Court Practice and Procedure Law and Practice of enforcement as it relates to Insolvency Legislation Application of the enforcement fee scale Interpleaders Injunctions etc. Health and Safety Diversity and Equality European and International enforcement The content of the modules can be altered to suit the background of the students. If a student can demonstrate he or she has obtained, for example a law degree or equivalent, or are qualified as solicitors, then exemption may be sought from Levels 1 to 3 of the studying process.

For further information on how your application may be subject to exemption(s) please write to the Association Secretary with full details of past academic achievements.

Help is available for students looking for a qualifying employer. Levels 1, 2 and 3 can be undertaken whilst working outside the industry.

For more information or to have a chat about a future career in High Court enforcement please call the Association Secretary, Pauline Hayward on 0845 076 7785 or email her at p.hayward@hceoa.org.uk with a copy of your CV.