Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to prosecute animal welfare crimes and influence legislation.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, dedicated to creating a better world for animals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and potential for permanent role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and advocate for justice.
- Qualifications: Qualified Lawyer with extensive experience in criminal law.
- Other info: Challenging role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 62971 - 83961 £ per year.
A bit about us
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 a new Head of Prosecutions working closely with the Chief Legal Counsel. Contract: 2-year fixed term contract with potential to become permanent. Working hours: 35 hours - Monday to Friday. Hybrid role: You will work from home and occasionally from the London and Horsham offices.
We are seeking a Head of Prosecutions who is more than just a Lawyer. We need a resilient leader, a strategic navigator and a steadfast advocate who can guide a team of highly experienced professionals through transition while upholding the highest standards in order to bring those who commit animal welfare crimes to justice.
What a day might look like for you
As the Society's subject matter expert on Prosecutions, you will hold accountability for the tactical direction and resolution of our most complex challenges - you won’t just lead a department, you will protect the RSPCA's reputation, influence government legislation, and working with others, ensure that our decisions to prosecute are robust, ethical, and transparent.
Key responsibilities include:
- Expert Counsel: You will provide articulate, confident advice to the Board, Trustees, and the Chief Legal Counsel on criminal law, evidence, and procedure.
- High-Stakes Management: You will oversee contentious or high-profile cases that attract significant media scrutiny and public interest.
- Leading Through Change: You will act as the primary representative for the Prosecutions team and will ensure stability and clarity during organisational shifts.
- Operational Excellence: As Head of Prosecutions, you will manage departmental budgets, maximising court cost recovery and ensuring quality assurance across all case conduct.
- Cross departmental working: You will represent your area of the business, whilst collaborating with other departments and working towards the bigger picture.
We believe in transparency; this is a demanding role that operates on the front line of animal welfare, so it will be challenging and at times you will be faced with very difficult situations and decisions. You will frequently encounter graphic evidence of extreme animal cruelty. Repeated exposure is a reality of the role and personal resilience is essential. The department is often the subject of intense media criticism, and you must be able to remain calm, measured and strategic under sustained external pressure. As Head of Prosecutions, you will manage a team facing hostile communications from aggrieved defendants and must lead with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
What will help you succeed in this role
To succeed within this role, you must be a Qualified Lawyer with extensive post-qualification experience in criminal law. You are a seasoned practitioner who understands the Code for Crown Prosecutors and has a proven track record in Magistrates' and Youth Court procedures.
Beyond your legal credentials, you are:
- Able to make quick, effective judgments in high-pressure environments.
- Able to see the "big picture" and can align legal outcomes with the broader mission of the Society.
- Able to lead through change, as we modernise our processes and technology.
- Capable of persuading and influencing at the highest levels of government, the police, and the CPS.
It is also essential that you have the emotional intelligence to lead a team through distressing casework and organisational change.
If this sounds like the ideal next step for you, we would love to receive your application! Click apply now and you will be redirected to our careers site to complete your application.
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.
Head of Prosecutions employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Prosecutions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with animal welfare. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the RSPCA's mission and recent cases. Show us you’re not just a lawyer but a passionate advocate for animal welfare. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to tough questions. As Head of Prosecutions, you’ll face high-pressure scenarios. We need to see how you handle stress and make quick decisions, so role-play with a friend or mentor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the RSPCA.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Prosecutions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in criminal law and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Prosecutions, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare: Let us know why you care about animal welfare! In your application, share any experiences or motivations that drive your commitment to this cause. We’re looking for someone who’s not just a lawyer but also an advocate for animals.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when discussing complex legal matters. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Early!: This role is going to attract a lot of interest, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute; get your application in early through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of criminal law, especially the Code for Crown Prosecutors. Be ready to discuss specific cases and how your legal expertise can influence outcomes in high-pressure situations.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead a team through change. Think about times when you've had to manage difficult situations or guide your team during transitions, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Demonstrate your understanding of how legal decisions impact the RSPCA's mission. Be prepared to discuss how you can align legal strategies with the organisation's goals, especially in terms of animal welfare.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to show that you can remain composed in stressful situations. Think of examples where you've successfully managed high-stakes cases or dealt with media scrutiny, and highlight your emotional intelligence in these scenarios.