Chief Inspector

We are current looking for an Chief Inspector  to join the team at the  in Mainland Scotland (Regional Allocation – North / Central / South as applicable)

About the Scottish SPCA

Since 1839 the Scottish SPCA has existed for one reason – to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home. We rescue, protect and lead the conversation on animal welfare. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

You can watch a short video on our journey by clicking the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HqcRNHH6I&feature=youtu.be 

If you are looking for a new role and feel you meet the below criteria we would love to hear from you.  Please apply using you CV and include a detailed supporting statement to your application.  

• Hours – 37.5 hours per week, 10 days in 14 to include weekend working on a rota basis
• Salary – £41,457 per annum (FTE)
• Contract Type – Permanent 

About the role

As Chief Inspector, you’ll lead and oversee our inspection service across Scotland, helping ensure that animal welfare concerns are handled with consistency, fairness and rigour. This is a senior leadership role where your decisions matter, your judgement shapes outcomes, and your influence helps strengthen the effectiveness of our regulatory and investigative activity.

You’ll work remotely/home based, but you won’t be working alone. You’ll lead teams and collaborate across functions to ensure our approach remains professional, evidence-led and grounded in the welfare of animals—while also being respectful and constructive in our engagement with people.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing strategic leadership for inspection activity, helping set priorities and ensuring they align with organisational aims and welfare outcomes.
• Oversight of investigations and inspection standards, ensuring a consistent approach across Scotland and that decisions are appropriately documented and supported by evidence.
• Supporting operational excellence by guiding and developing inspector capability, promoting good practice and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance and quality in line with relevant procedures, legislation and internal governance.
• Reviewing complex cases, providing direction where needed and ensuring that risk is assessed and managed effectively.
• Leading with integrity and empathy, balancing enforcement with education, and always keeping animal welfare at the forefront.
• Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, supporting coordinated responses and effective communication.
• Representing the inspection service when required, championing a culture of professionalism, accountability and service improvement.

What we’re looking for

This role calls for a confident leader with proven inspection, investigative or regulatory experience, who can manage complex situations and provide clear direction. You’ll be able to explain decisions confidently, bring people with you, and maintain high standards even when cases are difficult.

You’ll also have:

• Substantial experience in inspections, investigations, enforcement or animal welfare-related casework.
• Strong judgement and evidence handling, including the ability to assess risk, interpret information and ensure robust recording.
• Leadership capability—the ability to coach, develop and motivate teams, and to set clear expectations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a wide range of people.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, including identifying what works, what doesn’t and how to raise standards.
• Professional resilience, with an ability to stay calm, fair and focused in high-pressure circumstances.
• Ability to work effectively from home, managing time, priorities and travel where required.

Why this role matters

Every day, people across Scotland call for help—because something feels wrong, because an animal is in distress, or because they simply want to do the right thing. The way we respond can change lives. When we investigate thoroughly, act proportionately and communicate clearly, we can help protect animals now and support better outcomes ahead.

As Chief Inspector, you’ll be in the centre of that work—strengthening the inspection service so that rescue and rehabilitation can truly make a difference, and so that animal welfare is safeguarded through consistent, high-quality decision-making.

What you can expect

• A mission-led organisation where animal welfare comes first, and professionalism is treated as essential.
• A leadership role with influence across practice, standards and continuous improvement.
• Support from colleagues across the charity as you drive improvements and share learning.
• A remote/home-based structure designed to give you focus, flexibility and the ability to manage workload effectively.

Our message to candidates

We think rescue pets make great pets. We also believe that everyone who gives a rescue animal a second chance—and a place in their home and heart—is fantastic. If that perspective resonates with you, and if you want to lead an inspection function that helps make those second chances possible, you’ll fit right in.

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised.  Early application submissions are highly recommended.  This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications. 

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equine Welfare Member of the National Equine Welfare Council.

Scottish Charity No SC 006467