Deputy Mortuary Manager
The closing date is 09 November 2025
Job summary
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.
About us
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.
Details
Date posted
31 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 a year Per Annum Pro Rata for Full Time
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
390-CSS-BR-9837-A
Job locations
Broomfield
Court Road
Chelmsford
CM1 7ET
Employer details
Employer name
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Broomfield
Court Road
Chelmsford
CM1 7ET
Employer's website
https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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