
Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
17 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Extensive mortuary experience
- Experience
Working with high risk cases
- Experience
Working with paediatric & maternity cases
- Experience
Training of junior staff and APT’s
- Experience
Creating training plans
- Experience
Competency assessments
- Experience
Creating competency frameworks
- Experience
Working with the bereaved
- Experience
Quality management
- Experience
Health and Safety
- Experience
Introducing new techniques
- Experience
Rota management
- Experience
At least 3 years’ experience at senior level within a mortuary, including experience of recruitment
- Qualifications
Certificate and Diploma or Level 3 and level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Qualifications
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Qualifications
Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists
- Qualifications
Registration with the Academy of Healthcare Scientists or Science Council
Desirable
5 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of practical training for trainee pathologists.
- Experience
Experience of working with Forensic teams in the post mortem room.
- Experience
Experience of Bereavement Management.
- Qualifications
Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) qualification or equivalent postgraduate diploma level qualification.
- Qualifications
Counselling experience.
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, you will oversee 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.
Consideration will be taken into account for those that currently hold a Senior APT position of at least 4 years and are seeking to take the next step in their career.
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.
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Deputy Head of Mortuary and Anatomical Pathology Technologist with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards On Sea, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Laboratory technician role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 11 Sep 2026.
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