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- Tasks: Lead a team to prosecute animal welfare crimes and influence legislation.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, dedicated to creating a kinder world for animals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and potential for permanent role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Lawyer with extensive experience in criminal law.
- Other info: Challenging role requiring resilience and emotional intelligence.
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!
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 in London employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Prosecutions in London
✨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. You’ll likely face scenarios that test your resilience and decision-making under pressure. Think about how you’d handle high-stakes situations and articulate your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and show us you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a nice touch!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Prosecutions in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! We want to see how your values align with our mission at the RSPCA. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Prosecutions role. Highlight your legal expertise and leadership skills, and don’t forget to mention your experience in high-pressure environments!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
Apply Early!: This role is going to attract a lot of interest, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out!
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 your experience in Magistrates' and Youth Court procedures, as this will show that you're not just a lawyer, but a seasoned practitioner who understands the nuances of the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or high-pressure situations. The RSPCA is looking for someone who can maintain calm and clarity during tough times, so be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges while keeping your team motivated.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Think about how your legal expertise aligns with their goal of protecting animal welfare. During the interview, articulate how you can contribute to their broader objectives beyond just legal outcomes.
✨Emotional Intelligence is Key
Be prepared to discuss how you handle distressing casework and lead a team through emotional challenges. The RSPCA needs someone who can empathise with their team while maintaining professional boundaries, so share your strategies for managing emotions in high-stress environments.