Job summary
This is a qualified post and requires the RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology, or Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
The post-holder is responsible for providing technical and scientific support within the Mortuary & Bereavement Services across Trust facilities, including high-risk post-mortem areas. The role requires frequent exposure to highly distressing and emotive situations, as well as periods of intense physical activity requiring sustained concentration.
The post-holder will ensure that resources, equipment, and consumables are used efficiently, and that documentation and records are accurately maintained. They will support the training and development of trainees and support staff under supervision, assist pathologists with post-mortem examinations, and ensure the deceased and their relatives are treated with dignity and respect.
The post-holder will perform a broad range of technical duties to ensure the efficient running of the mortuary in accordance with Trust, Coroner, Human Tissue Authority, and Department of Health regulations and standards. Participation in the on-call rota is required to maintain 24-hour service provision.
Main duties of the job
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Admit, classify, store, and release deceased patients according to Trust policy and HTA standards
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Assist with and undertake post-mortem examinations, including routine, forensic, independent, and high-risk cases
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Support pathologists during post-mortem examinations and accurately document findings
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Prepare deceased patients for viewings or formal identification, liaising sensitively with relatives, police, coroners, and funeral directors
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Collect, label, package, and transport specimens for laboratory analysis (histology, microbiology, toxicology, DNA)
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Maintain accurate patient records using EDEN and other approved systems
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Support the training, supervision, and development of trainee and support staff under direction of the Mortuary Supervisor
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Participate in departmental audits, quality improvement initiatives, and SOP updates
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Work flexibly across mortuary sites and participate in the on-call rota
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Ensure compliance with infection prevention, health & safety, and HTA licensing requirements
About us
The Humber Health Partnership is one of the largest acute and community Partnership arrangements in the NHS, seeing well over one million patients every year and managing a budget of over £1.3 billion.
Made up of two Trusts - Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) - our Partnership has significant ambitions and is committed to delivering world-class hospital and community services for the 1.65 million people we serve.
Together we employ nearly 20,000 staff. Our five main hospital sites are Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Scunthorpe General Hospital and Goole and District Hospital, for NLAG and Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital for HUTH.
As Teaching Hospitals working with the Hull York Medical School, we both lead and contribute to research in many areas - biomedical research, primary care, palliative medicine, cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, vascular surgery, cancer surgery and oncology.
We believe that by developing a diverse, inclusive, innovative, skilled and caring workforce, we can deliver excellent care to our patients and a great future for our employees, our Partnership and our community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further details with regard to this vacancy opportunity, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Should we receive a high volume of applications the advert may be closed earlier than stated.
We welcome applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship to work in the UK, and these will be considered alongside all other applications in line with our commitment to equality and inclusion.
Applicants can determine their potential eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by reviewing the Skilled Worker Visa criteria set out by UKVI on the gov.uk website.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further details with regard to this vacancy opportunity, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Should we receive a high volume of applications the advert may be closed earlier than stated.
We welcome applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship to work in the UK, and these will be considered alongside all other applications in line with our commitment to equality and inclusion.
Applicants can determine their potential eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by reviewing the Skilled Worker Visa criteria set out by UKVI on the gov.uk website.
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential
- RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology OR Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Member of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology (AAPT)
Desirable
- Professional registration with The Science Council and/or AHCS
Knowledge, Training & Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a hospital or public mortuary
- Experience of assisting in post-mortem examinations, including high-risk cases
- Experience of working in an HTA licensed facility and maintaining HTA standards
- Participation in out-of-hours on-call service
- Able to communicate sensitively with bereaved relatives
- Sound knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, and medical terminology
Desirable
- Experience of supporting trainees and support staff
- Experience of contributing to audits, SOP reviews, or service improvement initiatives
- Experience of working in a combined Mortuary & Bereavement Service
- Experience of Home Office, defence, or independent postmortems
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Essential
- Effective communication and recordkeeping skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Good communication - verbal/written
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Works well within a team
- Demonstrates understanding of confidentiality
- Evidence showing continuous professional development
Desirable
- Previous experience teaching/training mortuary or healthcare staff
Special Attributes and other
Essential
- Shows motivation in developing new skills
- High level of interpersonal skills
- Demonstrate empathy and diplomacy
- Flexible approach to working hours and on-call commitments
- High manual dexterity and ability to use specialist mortuary equipment
Other Requirements
Essential
- Good timekeeper
- Ability to work from both hospital sites as required to meet the demands of the service
- Professional, mature, and responsible attitude
- Interest in continuous service development and CPD
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential
- RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology OR Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Member of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology (AAPT)
Desirable
- Professional registration with The Science Council and/or AHCS
Knowledge, Training & Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a hospital or public mortuary
- Experience of assisting in post-mortem examinations, including high-risk cases
- Experience of working in an HTA licensed facility and maintaining HTA standards
- Participation in out-of-hours on-call service
- Able to communicate sensitively with bereaved relatives
- Sound knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, and medical terminology
Desirable
- Experience of supporting trainees and support staff
- Experience of contributing to audits, SOP reviews, or service improvement initiatives
- Experience of working in a combined Mortuary & Bereavement Service
- Experience of Home Office, defence, or independent postmortems
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Essential
- Effective communication and recordkeeping skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Good communication - verbal/written
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Works well within a team
- Demonstrates understanding of confidentiality
- Evidence showing continuous professional development
Desirable
- Previous experience teaching/training mortuary or healthcare staff
Special Attributes and other
Essential
- Shows motivation in developing new skills
- High level of interpersonal skills
- Demonstrate empathy and diplomacy
- Flexible approach to working hours and on-call commitments
- High manual dexterity and ability to use specialist mortuary equipment
Other Requirements
Essential
- Good timekeeper
- Ability to work from both hospital sites as required to meet the demands of the service
- Professional, mature, and responsible attitude
- Interest in continuous service development and CPD
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
