Job summary
- Main area
- Anatomical Pathology Technologist
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (On call Rota)
- Job ref
- 374-ED1020
- Employer
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Conquest (EDGH rotation)
- Town
- St Leonards-on-sea
- Salary
- £47,810 - £54,710 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 10/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Deputy Head of Mortuary and Anatomical Pathology Technologist
NHS AfC: Band 7
We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.
We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £568 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.
Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
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.
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.
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
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Deborah James
- Job title
- Head Anatomical Pathology Technologist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 03001314707
- Additional information
03001314707 / 5495
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