Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Hillingdon Sports & Leisure discounts

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Hillingdon Council is seeking a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician to join its Mortuary Service. The role offers structured training leading to qualification as an Anatomical Pathology Technician, with hands‑on experience and development within a professional mortuary environment.

You will work under supervision, supporting admissions, care and release of deceased persons, and learning to assist with post‑mortem examinations while maintaining high professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a structured training programme leading to a recognised APT qualification.
• Assist with admission, identification, storage and release of deceased persons.
• Support preparation of deceased for viewing, post‑mortem examinations and release.
• Assist qualified staff and Pathologists during post‑mortem examinations.
• Learn techniques including evisceration and reconstruction
• Maintain accurate records and documentation
• Support compliance with Human Tissue Authority, Coroner and Health & Safety requirements
• Assist with cleaning, maintenance and safe operation of mortuary facilities and equipment

Job description

About the role

Begin a Unique and Rewarding Career in Mortuary Services

Are you looking for a career that combines technical training, practical skills and public service?

We are seeking a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician to join our Mortuary Service. This is a unique opportunity to undertake a structured training programme leading to qualification as an Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT), while gaining hands‑on experience within a professional mortuary environment.

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will help deliver an essential service that supports bereaved families, coroners, pathologists and partner agencies, while ensuring deceased persons are cared for with dignity, respect and professionalism at all times.

As a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician, you will work under supervision while developing the skills and knowledge required to become a qualified APT.

You will support the day‑to‑day operation of the mortuary, assisting with the admission, care, identification and release of deceased persons, while learning to support post‑mortem examinations and maintaining the highest professional standards.

You will:

• Undertake a structured training programme leading to a recognised APT qualification.
• Assist with the admission, identification, storage and release of deceased persons.
• Support the preparation of deceased persons for viewing, post‑mortem examinations and release.
• Assist qualified staff and Pathologists during post‑mortem examinations.
• Learn specialist techniques including evisceration and reconstruction.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Support compliance with Human Tissue Authority, Coroner and Health & Safety requirements.
• Assist with the cleaning, maintenance and safe operation of mortuary facilities and equipment.
• Communicate professionally with partner agencies and bereaved families.
• Participate in training, supervision and competency assessments.

About You

We're looking for someone who is professional, reliable and committed to developing a career within a specialist service.

You will have:

• A genuine interest in Anatomical Pathology and Mortuary Services.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to follow procedures and maintain accurate records.
• A high level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• The ability to work calmly and effectively in challenging situations.
• A commitment to learning and professional development.
• A respectful and compassionate approach to working with deceased persons and bereaved families.

Please note: This role is both physically and emotionally demanding. It involves standing for long periods, moving and handling deceased persons, working with specialist equipment and assisting with post‑mortem examinations, including traumatic and high‑risk cases. Candidates must be comfortable working in a mortuary environment and able to undertake the physical requirements of the role.

No previous experience as an Anatomical Pathology Technician is required, as full training and support will be provided.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work‑life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership–The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• DBS Check TBC
• 2/5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.