University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Anatomical Pathology Technician / Trainee

The closing date is 30 October 2025

Job summary

The Network of Mortuaries at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire currently have vacancies in the Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) team. Trainee APTs that are currently undertaking the Level 3 Diploma in APT are also encouraged to apply. Other candidates with mortuary experience who have not yet commenced an APT diploma may be considered for interview should no suitable qualified persons be appointed and will be paid at band 3 until their qualification is complete.

Our Mortuary network cares for over 4,000 patients per year. We are the busiest forensic department in the region serving West Midlands, West Mercia and Warwick Police forces, with over 1,000 patients each year. We undertake a variety of work to include forensic work and we are in the process of expanding our mortuary capacity as we strive to continually improve our services.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Main duties of the job

To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trust's mortuaries, performing a broad range of technical work activities ensuring that the provision of an efficient service that is in accordance with Trust, Coroner's and Department of Health regulations and requirements.

To participate in the on call service for the forensic services (including out of hours) and be available whenever possible for any hospital enquiries, working across all 3 sites.

We expect the candidate to be computer literate as the role involves the use of Microsoft packages.

A full driving license with access to own transport is disirable, we operate over 3 sites- University Hospital Coventry, South Warwickshire Foundation rust and Rugby St Cross Hospital and you are expected to help support all sites.

You will be required to have good communication and keyboard skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

At UHCW we follow national, departmental and trust standards and protocols including the HTA codes of practice and adhere to UKAS, CQC, RCPath guidelines. We prepare for our HTA and UKAS inspections by maintaining high standards of quality by conducting audits, formulating risk assessments/SOPs and investigating incidents in which you will be required to co-ordinate the team.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

About us

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £30,162 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

218-AHP-B4-7553598

Job locations

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Our department of 14 staff work across the sites of UHCW, South Warwick and Rugby St Cross Hospitals. As a trained APT you will be required to have an understanding of current mortuary practice and have knowledge of routine hospital post mortems, high risk cases, Coroners cases, forensic work and paediatrics, including the documentation and legislation associated with death and organ retention. Previous experience of dealing with the public and being sensitive to cultural needs and dealing with the bereaved is required. All members of our team support the bereavement team.

  • o keep accurate and complete records and ensure that the mortuary registers are kept up to date.
  • To supervise the daily mortuary activities as part of the team.
  • To work alone when necessary to facilitate the Coroners work and the routine mortuary duties.
  • To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trusts mortuaries.
  • To ensure that all deceased are admitted and registered following Trust policy.
  • To ensure that all deceased are released from the mortuary following Trust policy.
  • To arrange and prepare viewings/Ids in the viewing room.
  • To accompany families to the viewing room as needed.
  • To liaise with next of kin in a professional, sympathetic but practical manner.
  • To arrange official identifications on behalf of Her Majesties Coroner and when necessary act as Identifying Officer.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Our department of 14 staff work across the sites of UHCW, South Warwick and Rugby St Cross Hospitals. As a trained APT you will be required to have an understanding of current mortuary practice and have knowledge of routine hospital post mortems, high risk cases, Coroners cases, forensic work and paediatrics, including the documentation and legislation associated with death and organ retention. Previous experience of dealing with the public and being sensitive to cultural needs and dealing with the bereaved is required. All members of our team support the bereavement team.

  • o keep accurate and complete records and ensure that the mortuary registers are kept up to date.
  • To supervise the daily mortuary activities as part of the team.
  • To work alone when necessary to facilitate the Coroners work and the routine mortuary duties.
  • To assist the Network Mortuary Manager and the Senior APTs in the day-to-day running of the Trusts mortuaries.
  • To ensure that all deceased are admitted and registered following Trust policy.
  • To ensure that all deceased are released from the mortuary following Trust policy.
  • To arrange and prepare viewings/Ids in the viewing room.
  • To accompany families to the viewing room as needed.
  • To liaise with next of kin in a professional, sympathetic but practical manner.
  • To arrange official identifications on behalf of Her Majesties Coroner and when necessary act as Identifying Officer.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • See supporting documents

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Experience

Essential

  • See supporting documents

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Knowledge

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Skills

Essential

  • See supporting documents

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

  • See supporting documents
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • See supporting documents

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Experience

Essential

  • See supporting documents

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Knowledge

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Skills

Essential

  • See supporting documents

Desirable

  • See supporting documents

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

  • See supporting documents

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX


Employer's website

https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX


Employer's website

https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Mortuary Manager

Matthew Rogers

Matthew.rogers@uhcw.nhs.uk

02476967516

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £30,162 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

218-AHP-B4-7553598

Job locations

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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