Scarborough's RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond receives WWF Lifetime Achievement Award

Geoff received the award in recognition of his outstanding work and dedication to protecting wildlife and combating wildlife crime.

Providing advice on a range of wildlife-related issues, from rescue and rehabilitation through to legislation and wildlife crime investigation, Geoff is the key point of contact both to the RSPCA’s own Inspectorate - the group of around 500 officers who are on the frontline rescuing animals - as well as outside organisations such as the police.

Geoff said: “I am very honoured and overwhelmed to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Worldwide Fund for Nature.

“I have the best job in the world, helping to protect and rescue our wildlife while working with fantastic, professional teams within the RSPCA and outside organisations such as the police and NGOs.

“Partnerships are the key to achieving the best results for wildlife and animal welfare and it’s so satisfying when we make a real difference through effective collaboration.”

The WWF Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Geoff’s dedication and effective collaborations with relevant agencies during nine years as a Special Police Constable, and subsequent 27 years working for the RSPCA.

Geoff was awarded the accolade at a special ceremony on Saturday November 30 during the 31st annual National Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference, organised by the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU). He was nominated by partners in the police supported by input from RSPCA colleagues, citing numerous examples of outstanding work within the charity and in partnership with other agencies.

Geoff’s colleague, RSPCA Operational Superintendent for the North East, Matt Sacks said: “Many congratulations to Geoff. It’s an award that he thoroughly deserves and we couldn’t be more happy for him.

“Throughout Geoff’s 27 years of service as an RSPCA Inspector and most recently as our National Wildlife Co-ordinator, he has demonstrated outstanding commitment, particularly in the highly specialised area of wildlife crime investigation, and wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release.

“It is almost impossible to capture the full breadth of Geoff’s achievements due to his relentless commitment, tireless enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge. Geoff is well known both within the RSPCA and amongst outside agencies as the RSPCA’s ‘go to’ person when it comes to issues relating to wildlife.

“Tackling rural and wildlife crime has been a priority for Geoff. Working collaboratively with other agencies such as North Yorkshire Police and other forces across England and Wales, he is helping to address a range of animal welfare issues, from badger persecution, hare coursing and other illegal hunting, fly grazing of horses and the impact of litter on the environment, to antisocial behaviour issues impacting on domestic animals and wildlife.”