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.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- 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
- Experience of practical training for trainee pathologists.
- Experience of working with Forensic teams in the post mortem room.
- Experience of Bereavement Management.
Qualifications
Essential
- 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
- Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) qualification or equivalent postgraduate diploma level qualification.
- Counselling experience.
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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, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 27 Jul 2026.
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