Head of Prosecutions

About the role

The Head of Prosecutions will lead the RSPCA’s prosecution team, driving strategic legal action against animal welfare offences. Reporting to the Chief Legal Counsel, you will shape policy, protect the organisation’s reputation and ensure robust, ethical decision‑making in high‑profile cases. This is a hybrid, fixed‑term role based in London with occasional office attendance.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel to the Board, Trustees and Chief Legal Counsel on criminal law, evidence and procedure.
• Oversee contentious, high‑profile prosecutions that attract media and public scrutiny.
• Lead the Prosecutions team through organisational change, maintaining stability and clarity.
• Manage departmental budgets, maximise court cost recovery and ensure quality assurance across all cases.
• Collaborate with other departments to align prosecution strategy with broader organisational goals.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with extensive experience in criminal law, preferably animal welfare or related sectors.
• Proven leadership of senior legal teams in a fast‑moving, high‑visibility environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, resilience and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of criminal procedure, evidence handling and case management.
• Experience managing high‑stakes litigation and media‑intensive cases.
• Budgetary oversight and cost‑recovery expertise.

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £62,971 – £83,961 per year.
• Two‑year fixed‑term contract with potential for permanent appointment.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility to work from home and occasional office visits.
• Opportunity to make a tangible impact on animal welfare law and policy.