Advocacy, policy and scientific

Hayley Worsfold - Head of Prevention and Education

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“My favorite aspects of the role are the sheer variety of work, the opportunity I have to shape our strategic direction, whilst also getting the chance to work with people from all ages and backgrounds and inspiring them to improve animal welfare. I love the constant process of learning, the challenge of unlocking complex systems to determine the best way forward, and ultimately, seeing the positive impact my teams have on their audiences to make the world a better place for all animals.”

What advice would you give to someone wishing to join us as an educator or advocate?

“My primary advice would be to take yourself out of your comfort zone. I was once terrified of public speaking and never imagined I’d work in education, let alone lead a department! Secondly, always be on the lookout for and seize opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, whilst remaining true to yourself so that you can be authentic in your work. Finally, consider volunteering and not necessarily within the animal sector. Even alongside employment, it's incredibly rewarding. It significantly broadens your skillset and network, which can lead to opportunities you wouldn't otherwise be able to pursue.

How did your career path lead you here?

“My career path is a real mix of experiences. I kicked things off with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour, then moved on to a PGCE in Further Education (Post-16), an MA in Anthrozoology, and more recently a Leadership & Management apprenticeship. Right now, I'm even studying for an MSc in Behaviour Change! Before landing in the animal welfare sector in 2020, I worked with a range of charities and education providers (both people and animal-focused). Since first graduating 16 years ago, my career path has taught me that it’s totally fine to take a detour- even the occasional step back to build up new skills. This whole journey has led me to my current role as Head of Prevention and Education, and I'm always looking for new things to learn.

What does a typical day look like, in a snapshot?

“My days are always different, which I love, but since stepping into the Head of Prevention and Education role, they usually involve a mix of strategic planning and supporting my team through line management. I'm always attempting to look ahead, planning what resources we'll need to have the biggest impact on animal welfare. A real highlight is getting out to see our teams in action in their local communities. Recently, I even got to go to an event at Westminster to pick up an award for our teams' work on the 2025 Great British Spring Clean campaign! I also spend time exploring new partnerships, and representing the organisation externally. It's all about making sure our educational work is as effective as possible.