Job summary
- Main area
- Mortuary
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 390-CSS-BR-9837-A
- Employer
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Broomfield
- Town
- Chelmsford
- Salary
- £38,682 Per Annum Pro Rata for Full Time
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Deputy Mortuary Manager
Band 6
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.
Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.
We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT) for a Deputy Mortuary Manager within the Postmortem Service. This role supports the delivery of a safe, secure, effective mortuary service for the Trust, Pathologists, Coroners, and the community.
The post holder must hold RSPH Level 3 and 4 Diplomas in Anatomical Pathology Technology, possess advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, and be able to work unsupervised. Responsibilities include daily management and supervision of junior staff, assisting Pathologists during postmortems, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols.
They will uphold all legal and professional standards regarding mortuary operations, oversee visitors, liaise sensitively with grieving families, and coordinate with external agencies including Funeral Directors and Police. The role includes training and developing junior staff, deputising for the Mortuary Manager, and supporting full compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements.
Strong communication with clinical and non-clinical staff, Chaplaincy, and Coroner services is essential. The post holder must also demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD) through training and reflective practice.
Main duties of the job
HTA Compliance & Technical Duties:
Act as an HTA Person Designated, ensuring compliance with HTA standards and HTARI reporting. Supervise and perform routine and complex post-mortems. Maintain hygiene and oversee lawful tissue retention and disposal.
Communication:
Effectively communicate technical info to staff and pathologists. Support bereaved families with empathy, addressing language or emotional barriers. Coach staff in communication and lead briefings in the manager’s absence. Maintain confidentiality and promote interdepartmental collaboration.
Analytical & Planning:
Coordinate rotas, leave, skill mix, and workflow for all post-mortems, including high-risk and forensic cases. Support DVI planning, incident reporting, and service reviews, including SLAs. Provide cross-site support when needed.
Clinical Duties:
Verify ID and documentation. Perform external exams, evisceration, reconstruction, assist with CT and specialist procedures. Manage forensic/infectious cases, collect/store specimens, assist donor retrievals, and support trainee education. Ensure hygiene, dignity, and accurate EDEN/EPR data.
Policy & Resources:
Contribute to SOPs, audits, HTA/UKAS compliance, and improvements. Support budget efficiency and follow financial procedures. Use EDEN, EPR, and Q-Pulse for secure documentation.
Staff Management:
Support training, appraisals, wellbeing, and recruitment. Mentor APTs, uphold standards, and provide cross-site cover.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
If you are looking for an exciting Deputy Mortuary Manager role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
We look forward to your application.
Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 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
Desirable criteria
- Leadership qualification
- Advanced Communication Certificate
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
- Advanced knowledge of modern mortuary practice and techniques including advanced postmortem, forensic and infection procedures.
- Advanced knowledge of Human Tissue Authority (HTA) standards and how mortuary compliance can be demonstrated.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety issues and relative legislation
- Advanced knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of continual professional development (CPD)
- Experience of risk assessment and risk management
- Broad knowledge of governance processes
- Previous experience of staff management or supervision
Communication Skills
Essential criteria
- Interpersonal skills when dealing with bereaved relatives and discussing sensitive matters with compassion.
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Computer literate with accuracy in data input
Desirable criteria
- Advanced communication skills
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Luana-Jade Thomas
- Job title
- Mortuary Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 44 32838
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