What's it all about?
A Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) inspector works for the registered charity to prevent cruelty to animals. They carry out investigations, respond to any public concern, and deal with cases of cruelty.
What would I do?
Working as an RSPCA inspector includes:
» Responding to complaints
» Investigating cases of alleged cruelty
» Advising owners and the public on animal care
» Removing animals from premises
» Rescuing trapped animals
» Filing reports on cruelty
» Giving evidence in court
Money and perks
New inspectors should expect a salary of around £19,000 a year, which will rise to between £21,500 and £24,5000 per year once fully trained and experienced. Chief inspectors can earn up to £30,000.
Hours and conditions
RSPCA inspectors often work on a rota system, but usual hours are 35 hours a week. Though it is usually a Monday to Friday job, they can also be on-call 24 hours a day for emergency cases throughout the week.
Work can be tough, as it is usually outdoors in all types of weather. It can often be dirty and they can come into contact with distressing scenes.
Animal rescues can also pose dangerous situations.
What will I need?
Skills
» Taking initiative
» Team working
» Communicating
» Managing risk
» Decision making
Qualities
» Sensitive and caring
» Reliable and dependable
» Assertive
» Flexible
» Calm in stressful situations
What ICT will I use?
Hardware
» Personal computers
Software
» Word Processing (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
Communication
» Mobile devices (phones, pagers)
» Internet applications (email)
How do I get in?
There are no specified qualifications required for this job role, although many employers will regard good levels of Maths, English and Science as essential.
The following options are available to make your application more attractive to employers.
Options for ages 14 - 16
» GCSE / Applied GCSE (English, Maths, Science, Environmental Science, ICT)
» Foundation and Higher Diploma (Environmental and Land Based)
» BTEC Entry Level / Level 1 / Level 2 (Animal Care)
Options for ages 16+
» AS & A-Levels (English, Maths, Sciences, ICT, Environmental Science)
» Advanced Diploma (Environmental and Land Based)
» Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships (Animal Care, Animal Management)
» BTEC Level 3 (Animal Management)
» NVQ Level 2 & 3 (Animal Care, Animal Management)
There is strong competition to work for the RSPCA, and jobs and training programs can be hard to get onto.
Training courses last six months and can be tough. They include written exams and field training, then six months of being a probationer inspector.
Once qualified and gained experience, a lot of inspectors progress to higher positions.
A drivers license is usually required, and the minimum age to apply is 22.
The above information is a guide to some of the routes available into this particular role, however, there may be alternative options available in your local area - speak to your personal advisor if you would like to find out more.
Top Tips
As well as achieving the relevant qualifications, there are other things you can do to improve your chances of success when applying for this position.
» Try to get a relevant work experience placement
» Gain valuable experience and show a willingness to learn by volunteering
» Participate in as many relevant extra-curricular activities as possible
» Try to make school projects (such as enterprise activities, diploma or GCSE extended projects) relevant to this position
Useful stuff to know
» The RSPCA employs 330 inspectors throughout England and Wales.
» There can sometimes be opportunity to work abroad.
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