Job Summary
The post holder will act as an qualified APT within the mortuary and hold a RSPH Diploma in APT or its equivalent with experience. Ideally candidates for this role will have achieved the RSPH Level 3 Diploma. They will be able to demonstrate good technical knowledge of mortuary policy, procedure, and human anatomy, as well as a good understanding of health and safety legislation and working in compliance with HTA guidelines.
The Mortuary services managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board spans 4 sites cross Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Counties and perform in excess of 450 post mortem examinations per year at the instruction of HM Coroner. The department is fully HTA accredited.
The role will involve performing a number of tasks including receipt and appropriate storage of the deceased, preparation for Post Mortem examination and release of the deceased in line with departmental policy, best practice and the Human Tissue Act, and in support of the Coroner, Pathologists and Police.
Main duties of the job
However, where a fully qualified individual is not appointed, a trainee position may be considered for appointment under the All Wales Annex 21 rules. As a trainee the expectation will be attainment of the RSPH Level 3 Diploma and once successfully qualified, registration with the Science Council on a PSA accredited register within 3 years.
This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 65% of the top rate of band 5 pay, the second year 70% and during the third year 75%)and following successful completion of the qualificationthe post holder will then be paid at Band 5 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 5 role. Failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
If unable to meet academic criteria, a performance review will be undertaken in line with the Health Board policy and capability procedures. As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- RSPH (Pre 2015) Certificate and/or Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or RSPH Level 3 and/or 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology)
- IT Literate
Desirable
- Professional registration e.g. AHCS, Science Council (Post holder will be expected to achieve registration and commence Continual Professional Development within 12 months if employed into post without active registration or CPD portfolio)
- Membership with AAPT
- HTA Consent Training
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of post mortem examinations of varying complexities and specialist techniques, including reconstruction and effective infection control
- Extensive Mortuary experience
- Can demonstrate experience of working within guidelines/protocols
- Supervisory and involvement with training of other staff
- Experience of direct patient and family contact and the management of complex, emotionally challenging situations
- In-depth understanding of the Human Tissue Authority regulations and codes of practice pertaining to Mortuary
Desirable
- Experience of working in NHS Mortuary
- Knowledge of Death Certification processes and current UK legislation
- Knowledge and experience of working in a training environment
- Participated in out of hours on-call rota
- Experience of deputising for more senior staff
- Experience with Mortuary computer software (i.e. LIMS)
- Major incident experience
- Experience of regulatory inspections, HTA, UKAS (ISO)
Language Skills
Desirable
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: 21 September 2025
