The RSPCA has developed a new app for its farm assurance scheme, which will be used by the 25 full-time assessors who visit RSPCA Assured certified members across the UK to ensure they’re meeting higher welfare standards.
The app allows assessors to upload their audit forms directly whilst they’re visiting the member which is expected to make the process easier and more streamlined.
Julie Taylor, Field Testing and Implementation Manager at RSPCA Assured, said: “Previously, assessors would fill out a paper form based on their assessment but the development of this brand new app means assessors can go paper-free and will reduce the amount of time they have to spend on admin. This will mean more time can be spent out in the field, ensuring our robust standards are maintained and therefore will have a significant positive impact on farm animal welfare.”
The assurance scheme trialled the app on Friday 23 June with field assessor Cat Green carrying out a mock assessment of Yorkshire Farmhouse Eggs at Westwick Hall Farm near York.
Field assessor, Cat Green said: “The app was easy to use and it meant I could upload my assessment there and then and didn’t have to go home and do lots of paperwork. I think it will save us a lot of time and will mean that we can get out to assess more farms much more quickly.”
The app will undergo more field trials before an official roll-out takes place.
Neil Scott, Head of Certification at RSPCA Assured, said: “I’m immensely proud of the innovative minds behind this app and can’t wait to see it launched across the board. As part of our joint strategy with the RSPCA, we have an ambitious aim for more than half of all farmed animals in the UK to be reared to the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards, under the RSPCA Assured scheme, by 2030. The development of this app is just one of the key steps we’re taking to help us achieve that goal.”