Inspector - Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU)

Locations: Remote, anywhere in the UK

(there may be an opportunity to be based in the Croydon office, subject to estates capacity)

Salary: Grade 7 £60,300-£66,330 (National)

             Grade 7 £64,300-£70,730 (London)

Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, homeworking, compressed hours

As an Inspector for the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU), you will use your veterinary or medical background to play a key role in protecting the animals used in science and facilitating scientific progress in the United Kingdom.

About us

This role is based in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) within the Home Office. ASRU is the national regulator for the use of animals in scientific testing. Its purpose is to protect animals in science by maintaining compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (the ‘Act’). Working here, you will have an essential role in delivering this purpose, as well as providing an excellent service to the science sector to help key scientific developments.  

This is an exciting time to join ASRU. We are currently delivering an innovative regulatory reform programme to help us achieve our purpose. This means your role may evolve and adapt in response to a dynamic environment, and there will opportunities for you to contribute to improvements and a positive, collaborative culture in ASRU.

About the role

As an Inspector, you’ll make sure that proposals to use animals in scientific testing and research are justified, and harm to animals is minimised. It’s a highly regarded role where you’ll represent ASRU and assess licence applications. Once a licence is granted, you’ll have the critical job of ensuring that establishments are complying with the law by performing visits and thorough assessments. It’s a chance not only to protect animals but to make a positive impact on the way that scientific organisations function.

Although your role will be less hands-on than a typical veterinary or medical role, it will be highly rewarding. You could be conducting on-site visits one day and influencing Government policy with operational knowledge the next. Whatever the task, you’ll be team-focused and determined to maintain public confidence in the way we operate, so you need to work in a methodical, consistent way.  

This role requires some travel, including overnight stays, to visit licensed establishments. This is likely to be in the range of 1-2 visits per month. You will need to wear personal protective equipment in some establishments, as appropriate.

About you

A qualified vet or medical practitioner, you’ll need to hold full registration either with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or General Medical Council (GMC).

Your knowledge of biomedical and life science research comes with experience of data collection and reporting, plus the ability to make unbiased, consistent decisions by assessing complex information and applying systems thinking. This will help you meet service delivery targets.

In addition to your technical skills and regulatory mindset, you’ll be an excellent communicator, both in person and on paper. Whether you’re working independently or as part of a team, you’ll be organised, motivated and able to see the bigger picture. 

Training and development

ASRU is committed to professional development and will help you to reach your career goals. As part of the Civil Service, there’ll be the opportunity to contribute to work in the wider Home Office in addition to your work in ASRU to build your skills.  ASRU has a budget to support to support relevant training opportunities.