Welfare Oversight Officer (1954)

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 Welfare Oversight Officer to join our Welfare Oversight team on a 12 month fixed term contract until 01st April 2026.

• Working hours: 35 hours / Monday to Friday
• Home based role: with extensive travel across the London, Guildford & Crawley areas using one of our fleet vehicles to visit PBEs, Animal Centres and other relevant organisations. Please note: applicants must live within a reasonable travel distance of London/ Guildford/ Crawley to be considered. 

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?

Here at RSPCA no two days are the same, as a Welfare Oversight Officer  we've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like, for a full insight please refer to the attached job description. This is an exciting opportunity where you'll oversee the welfare of RSPCA animals whilst in private boarding establishments (PBEs), and to facilitate and manage our processes and relationships with them. 

• Oversee all small companion animals and other species in PBEs within a specified area
• Assess and monitor small companion animal welfare using a range of tools and processes, including the Practical Welfare Assessment Matrix (PWAM)
• Liaise with Vets, behavioural professionals and other relevant RSPCA staff to make decisions on appropriate pathways for each animal
• When required, and working with the Animal Logistics Team, arrange for the transportation of companion animals to relevant RSPCA premises (national, branch or foster facilities)
• Liaising with the logistics team to ensure the Coordination of ongoing Veterinary care
• Work with the Animal Care Standards to ensure PBEs are compliant with their licensing requirements
• Build strong working relationships with PBEs and advise them on the RSPCA's animal welfare standards
• Ensuring paper and electronic records are kept up to date and within a timely manner
• Support the Animal Logistics and Health and Safety teams to conduct risk assessments associated with the care of our animals in PBEs

Our Welfare Oversight Officers' (PBE) undertake the vital role of facilitating and supporting the process of rehabilitation, assessment and provision of oversight of rescued small companion animals (including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets), equines, farm animals (non-commercial) and occasionally exotics, in coordination with private boarding facilities, the RSPCA logistics team and RSPCA national centres. To undertake the role effectively you will need to have experience and solid understanding of the following: 

• Full manual driving licence 
• Extensive experience working with and understanding the needs of small companion animals, specifically dogs & cats and equine.
• Strong influencer and experience of working with a number of different stakeholders
• Experience in dealing with complex and potentially emotionally challenging situations, often involving multiple stakeholders
• Self starter with the ability to take accountability of own workload 
• Experience with working collaboratively to achieve goals

Whilst not essential, it would be great if you have:

• Experience in evaluating animal behaviour and welfare and implementing management practices accordingly
• Relevant animal welfare qualification at Level 5 or above (or working towards)
• Knowledge of up to date science-based approach to companion animal management, care and behaviour (or a desire to work in this way) 
• Experience working with commercial, external stakeholders
• Experience working within and across teams and developing good working relationships to facilitate communication and efficient completion of key tasks.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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