Deputy Head of Mortuary and Anatomical Pathology Technologist

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Head of Mortuary to assist in delivering dignified mortuary services. Responsibilities include managing operations, providing leadership to staff, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive mortuary experience and be a qualified training officer. This role promises a supportive working environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Access to onsite nurseries

Free psychological support

Qualifications

• Experience in managing post-mortem arrangements.
• Proven record of leadership in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
• Ability to develop training plans and frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the mortuary.
• Oversee a team of skilled staff and ensure high standards of care.
• Liaise with bereavement services and external agencies.

Skills

Extensive mortuary experience

Training of junior staff

Working with paediatric & maternity cases

Competency assessments

Working with the bereaved

Education

Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists

Registration with the Academy of Healthcare Scientists

Job description

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Deputy Head of Mortuary & APT to assist the Mortuary Manager in the delivery of safe, dignified, and efficient mortuary services within our NHS Trust. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the mortuary, overseeing a team of skilled staff, providing leadership, training, and support to maintain the highest standards of care for the deceased and their families. You will liaise closely with bereavement & medical examiners services, coroners, funeral directors, and external agencies to ensure smooth processes and sensitive communication. The role requires an experienced, enthusiastic training officer who is passionate about the profession.

Main duties of the job

The Deputy Head of Mortuary will oversee the safe, respectful, and efficient operation of the hospital mortuary, ensuring compliance with all legal, professional, and Trust requirements. You will manage post-mortem arrangements, maintain accurate records, and ensure the facility, equipment, and processes meet the highest standards. Leading a team of mortuary staff, you will provide compassionate leadership, foster professional development, and uphold dignity in all aspects of care for the deceased and their families. The role also involves close liaison with pathologists, coroners, bereavement services, and external agencies, alongside contributing to service improvements and ensuring robust health, safety, and infection control practices.

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Certificate and Diploma or Level 3 and level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists
• Registration with the Academy of Healthcare Scientists or Science Council

Desirable criteria

• Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) qualification or equivalent postgraduate diploma level qualification.
• Counselling experience.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Extensive mortuary experience
• Working with high risk cases
• Working with paediatric & maternity cases
• Training of junior staff and APT's
• Creating training plans
• Competency assessments
• Creating competency frameworks
• Working with the bereaved
• Quality management
• Health and Safety
• Introducing new techniques
• Rota management
• At least 3 years' experience at senior level within a mortuary, including experience of recruitment

Desirable criteria

• Experience of practical training for trainee pathologists.
• Experience of working with Forensic teams in the post mortem room.
• Experience of Bereavement Management.

Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Our vision is to be:

• The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.

Our mission is to:

• Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide healthcare services.

Our strategic objectives are to:

• Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
• Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients' experiences.
• Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.

Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive and
• Well led

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.
Documents to download

• JD Deputy Head of Mortuary (PDF, 248.6KB)
• person specifications (PDF, 213.1KB)
• JHF (PDF, 872.3KB)
• Guidance for Applicants - AFC (PDF, 152.4KB)