East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Anatomical Pathology Technologist
The closing date is 19 November 2026
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Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Mortuary Team at ESHT. This is a rewarding opportunity for a compassionate, motivated and professional individual to contribute to the delivery of a high-quality mortuary service supporting both the Trust and Coroner's Service.

We welcome applications from candidates who hold a Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology and are registered with the AHCS or Science Council. Applicants holding a Level 3 Diploma and professional registration will also be considered, as will those committed to progressing through the Anatomical Pathology Technology career pathway.

As part of our mortuary team, you will provide a safe, efficient and dignified service. Duties include the admission and release of deceased patients, assisting with post-mortem examinations, supporting mortuary operations and ensuring compliance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licensing requirements and ISO 15189 standards. The role also involves working across Trust sites and participating in the out-of-hours rota.

The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, compassion and respect at all times, with the ability to work effectively in emotionally challenging situations.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a supportive and experienced team. Whether you are already qualified or progressing within Anatomical Pathology Technology, we will support your professional development and career aspirations.

Main duties of the job
As a key member of the Mortuary Team, you will provide a comprehensive mortuary service for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, ensuring the highest standards of care, dignity and respect for deceased patients at all times.

Key responsibilities include admissions and release procedures, supporting post-mortem examinations, maintaining tissue traceability records and ensuring compliance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) requirements, legislation and professional standards. You will liaise with the Coroner's Office, Bereavement Services and Medical Examiner's Office to support effective service delivery.

The role also involves monitoring stock and equipment, undertaking audits, contributing to quality improvement activities and supporting the review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). You will participate in the on-call rota and provide support across Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital as required.

We are seeking a professional, resilient and motivated individual with excellent communication and organisational skills, a commitment to high standards and the ability to work effectively in sensitive and emotionally challenging situations.

You will be expected to maintain your professional knowledge and contribute to the sharing of best practice within the team.

This is a rewarding opportunity to join a dedicated team and make a valuable contribution to patients, families and partner organisations during some of life's most sensitive moments.

About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Details
Date posted: 12 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: Depending on experience
Annex 21 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 374-ED2096
Job locations: Conquest Hospital (Rotate Eastbourne), The Ridge, St Leonards-on-sea, TN37 7RD, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the role and person requirements, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
If you are interested in joining our dedicated Mortuary Team and would like to learn more about the position, please contact us for an informal discussion. We welcome any questions and look forward to hearing from prospective applicants.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to postgraduate diploma level or proven equivalent experience
• RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (RSPH) or Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (RSPH) with substantial post qualification APT experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Registration with AHCS and/or SC

Desirable

• HTA Consent training
• AAPT member
• Leadership Training

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in an HTA licensed mortuary (NHS or Council)
• Experience of participating in post mortem examinations including traumatic injuries and those in various states of deterioration
• Experience of mentoring staff
• Previous experience of completing audits and reviewing SOPs
• Liaising with the bereaved
• Experience of training other professionals
• Representing the mortuary at meetings

Desirable

• Exposure to babies, children, young people
• Mentoring trainee APTs
• Ordering supplies, stock management
• Emergency response involvement

Skills
Essential

• Knowledge of current APT standards of post mortem examination practice
• Good keyboard and IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook
• Good organisational skills
• Knowledge of the HTA codes and standards
• Flexible to changing demands and able to identify and adjust priorities
• Will assist other team member's, pathologists and other service users on a daily basis.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Availability at peak times and as the service requires.
• Polite and courteous and comply with all Trust policies

Desirable

• QPulse
• Evotix
• Datix
• EDEN
• INTEGRA
• NHS Supply chain

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address: Conquest Hospital (Rotate Eastbourne), The Ridge, St Leonards-on-sea, TN37 7RD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head APT & Mortuary Manager, Deborah James, deborah.james1@nhs.net, 03001314707

Supporting documents
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