The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a charitable organization in England and Wales. The RSPCA works towards bettering animal welfare in these countries. The RSPCA Inspector's roles are: providing 24-hour protection for animals; responding to complaints about animal cruelty; giving advice on caring for an animal; and rescuing animals and creating centers for animals without a home or in bad health.
Instructions
1. Becoming an RSPCA inspector is a physically and emotionally demanding process that requires you to utilize a varied set of skills. In order to be considered for the position, qualified applicants need to meet a certain set of requirements before being considered.
2. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 A-C passes on the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), an exam usually given to 15 to 16 year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The A-C passes are in higher level subjects. An applicant can use an O-Level subject certification instead of the GCSE application, which is part of the General Certificate of Education (GCE).
3. In addition to their test scores, applicants must display good people skills, especially in high-tension situations. While not required, a background in working with animals is advantageous.
4. On top of the mental capabilities needed to become an inspector, applicants are required to be physically in shape and able to swim 50 meters fully clothed. Like many jobs, a valid driver's license for driving in the UK is necessary as well.
5. Once the applicant has been accepted by the RSPCA for the inspector position, the recruitment and training process begins. This program takes up to 12 months and involves learning a variety of skills needed for the position. Newly accepted applicants will be trained in investigation, which involves learning interview techniques.
6. Inspector trainees will learn about court work necessary in cases involving animal welfare and/or cruelty, as well as speak to the media in regards to these cases and investigations.
7. There are some physical skill sets that are required from a successful inspector with the RSPCA. Trainees will be taught rescue animals in a variety of settings including mountain and boat scenarios.
8. When dealing with animals there are some situations where veterinary knowledge and proper animal handling techniques are vital to both the inspector and animal's well being. These strategies and methods will also be taught in the 12-month inspector training course.
Tags: animal welfare, England Wales, General Certificate, involves learning, with animals