Job summary
We are seeking a highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced APT for the leadership role of Mortuary Manager. As the professional lead for the service, you will be responsible for day-to-day operational management, ensuring the highest standards of care, professionalism and compliance and promote dignified care of the deceased at all times.
You will have strong leadership skills, a passion for delivering high quality, compassionate services and significant post L4 diploma experience working in a hospital mortuary service, which includes forensic post mortems. A post graduate level qualification equivalent to Level 7/MSC or evidenced equivalent competence and experience are required.
Although not expected to routinely participate in the out of hour’s roster, the post holder is expected to be available for on call advice and emergency cover if needed.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
Be the professional lead for the Mortuary Services across North Tees and Hartlepool NHSFT and South Tees Hospitals NHSFT liaising with all members of the multi-disciplinary team involved in care of the deceased. Duties will be undertaken across multiple sites associated with both hospitals.
Be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Mortuary Services across North Tees and Hartlepool NHSFT and South Tees Hospitals NHSFT and Bereavement Services at North Tees and Hartlepool NHSFT.
Be responsible for all aspects of after death care and ensure that services promote dignified care of the deceased at all times.
Undertake the role of Persons Designate, across all mortuary sites, assisting the DI(s) in ensuring compliance with HTA standards
Maintain standards according to relevant legislation, HTA and UKAS standards keeping up to date with changes and implementing these accordingly.
Provide specialised training for relevant staff in after death care and post-mortem assistance.
Encourage close team working and foster cross-site working links to ensure consistency in procedures, practice, and develop a robust contingency and business continuity plans.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised professional qualification or evidenced equivalent experience: Masters Level 7
- Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or L4 Diploma.
Desirable
- Management, leadership qualification
- Certificate in eye enucleation from a recognised eye bank
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of postmortem examination, evisceration and tissue and body reconstruction
- A working knowledge of bereavement services and the role of Medical Examiner
- Knowledge and understanding of the HTA codes of practice.
- Knowledge of UKAS, CQC, RCPath guidelines
- Knowledge of mass fatalities planning
- A thorough understanding of funeral customs and practices associated with different religious, non-religious and cultural traditions.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the L3 Diploma APT and expectations of candidates
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a Senior Specialist role
- Experience of external visits e.g. UKAS/HTA.
- Experience in recruitment and selection of staff
- Experience of training/mentoring APT’s and support staff.
- Experience in conducting audits, formulating risk assessments/SOPs and investigating incidents.
Desirable
- Experience of managing a multi-site service.
- Experience of leading a mortuary through the change process
- Experience of duty of candour
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work collaboratively and engage others in service development
- Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
- Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of professionals including the Coroner, medical and nursing staff, police officers, funeral directors etc.
- Able to communicate effectively with members of the public via telephone or face to face
- Demonstrates an empathetic approach to the role and an ability to be caring and compassionate, dealing with the recently bereaved and the care after death.
- Act as a role model of professionalism leading by example, displaying high levels of leadership and professionalism and inspire others to learn and develop.
- Flexible attitude to work to meet the needs of the role.
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).
Closing Date: 06 August 2026
