Animal Welfare Knowledge and Training Officer (1832)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We are looking for an Animal Welfare Knowledge and Training Officer to join our Learning & Talent Development team on a 12 month fixed term contract.

• Working hours: 35 hours / Monday to Friday. 
• Home based role: with regular travel London, Southeast office and national travel to RSPCA properties 

It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start. We like to keep in touch with regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.

Are you ready to join our movement?

The RSPCA Companion Animal and Veterinary teams have recently developed a new way of looking at animal welfare across the organisation, utilising the five domains model known as "Animal Voice." Training has been crafted to align with this five domains model of animal welfare, integrating the RSPCA's new "Animal Voice" concept along with its welfare assessment tools.

As part of the "Animal Voice" initiative, new cross-species welfare and quality of life assessment tools have been created, based on the five domains. These tools are intended to monitor the welfare status and track improvements for animals under RSPCA care. 

We are looking for an experienced Training Officer to deliver the training across the organisation and embed the effective use of these tools.

The training encompasses various species, reflecting the RSPCA's diverse work. While a majority of the content focuses on dogs and cats, it also includes information on horses, rabbits, small rodents, and exotic animals. There is potential for wildlife content to be added in the future.

This piece of work will also require significant experience and knowledge of change management and the ability to work with individuals and teams who may need support to embrace new ways of working. With this in mind we are looking for experience in the following areas: 

• Expert knowledge of animal welfare - with a focus on dogs, cats and rabbits
• Experience of change management and supporting teams through change

Experience of delivering practical training 

Planning, action orientation & results driven: Self-directed and self-sustained; can take the initiative and focus on delivery. Willing to deal with difficult situations that affect output, outcomes and impact. Team player, able to see the ‘bigger picture' and understands the importance of the project to the organisation.

Influencing & engagement: Inclusive approach due to range of skills and background of trainees. Has ability to influence, motivate and empower others in order to reach organisational goals. Solid negotiation skills. Recognises the value of sharing ideas, knowledge and information with others and takes personal responsibility for doing so. 

Oral and written communication: Excellent presentation skills, communication and interpersonal skills. Able to deliver information in a compelling manner to influence both individuals and groups. 

Flexibility and resilience: Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions. Maintains effective work behaviour in the face of setbacks or pressure. Happy to travel extensively throughout England and Wales on a weekly basis.

Personal motivation: Clear enthusiasm and passion for the project. Passionate about animal welfare, commits self to work hard towards goals. Cognisant of and demonstrates RSPCA Values

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect