(*) Deputy Mortuary Manager

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Basildon; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Deputy Mortuary Manager to lead the Mortuary Postmortem Service, providing a safe, secure, and compassionate service for patients and families. You will supervise junior staff and ensure compliance with HTA standards and regulatory requirements.

The closing date is 11 November 2026. You will liaise with Pathologists, Coroners, Funeral Directors and Trust staff, deputise for the Mortuary Manager, and participate in on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of HTA standards and mortuary compliance.
• Experience with postmortem techniques and mortuary procedures.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical assistance to the Pathologist during examinations.
• Maintain cleanliness and maintenance of mortuary equipment.
• Apply correct techniques and manage hazards in the Mortuary.
• Ensure compliance with laws and codes of practice.
• Supervise visitors and support grieving relatives.
• Train and develop junior staff; liaise with Funeral Directors and agencies.
• Work with Mortuary Manager to meet licensing/regulatory requirements.
• Communicate with staff, Chaplaincy, HM Coroners, Police and Funeral Directors.
• Deputise for the Mortuary Manager and participate in on-call service.

Skills

HTA standards

Mortuary practice

Health & safety

Governance

Risk assessment

CPD

Staff management

Education

RSPH Anatomical Pathology Tech Diploma

Level 3/4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

(**) Deputy Mortuary Manager

The closing date is 11 November 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Mortuary Postmortem Service at Mid and South Essex NHS TRUST (MSEFT) for a Deputy Mortuary Manager supporting delivery of the postmortem service.

You will provide a specialist safe, secure, effective, and comprehensive mortuary and postmortem service for the needs of Mid and South Essex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Pathologists, Coroner, and the Community.

As part of this role, you will be required to manage the daily support and supervision of junior staff. You will be required to hold at work unsupervised and perform a broad range of duties and will provide an advanced level of theoretical and practical knowledge and experience; to equip our staff with the skills they need to deliver a high-quality and compassionate service.

Main duties of the job

If successful, you will:

• Provide practical assistance to the Pathologist whilst in attendance and ensure that safe practices and Standard Operating Procedures are adhered to in every aspect of the department's work.
• Be responsible for essential user maintenance and excellent standards of cleanliness of mortuary equipment as required. The post holder will
• Ensure that appropriate techniques are applied by staff when assisting in postmortem examinations and identify potential hazards to health and take measures to eliminate or minimise risks in the Mortuary.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the laws and codes of practice relating to the Mortuary and all aspects of its function including those in relation to deceased and ensure that all staff adhere to these.
• Supervise all visitors to the department and deal sympathetically with grieving relatives.
• Train, manage and develop junior personnel and promote excellence and respect in the management of deceased when liaising with Funeral Directors, Porters, and other agencies.
• Work with the Mortuary Manager to ensure that full implementation of licencing and regulatory requirements are met.
• Communicate and liaise with clinical and non-clinical Trust staff, Chaplaincy, HM Coroners, Police and Funeral Directors to ensure delivery of a professional and efficient mortuary service.
• Deputise for the Mortuary Manager in their absence and will be expected to participate in the mortuary on call service

About us

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Job responsibilities

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.

Unfortunately, there is no Visa Sponsorship available for this role. Whilst we are able to employ candidates on a graduate Visa, we are unable to offer sponsorship once the graduate visa expires.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced knowledge of Human Tissue Authority (HTA) standards and how mortuary compliance can be demonstrated.
• Advanced knowledge of modern mortuary practice and techniques which may have been acquired from experience as a APT including advanced postmortem, forensic and infection procedures.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety issues and relative legislation
• Broad knowledge of governance processes
• Experience of risk assessment and risk management
• Evidence of continual professional development (CPD).
• Previous experience of staff management

Qualifications

• RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent experience
• Relevant degree or equivalent workplace experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

£39,959 a yearPer Annum (Pro Rata for part time)