Senior Bereavement Officer – Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
Band 4, Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday‑Friday 9:00‑17:00). Salary: £27,485 – £30,162 per annum. Job reference: 193-7670377NCG. Closing date: 11 January 2026.
Job Overview
As a Senior Bereavement Officer, you will be part of the dedicated Bereavement Team, providing a compassionate and coordinated service to families, carers and friends of patients who have died at the hospital. Your role blends sensitive support with meticulous administrative tasks, ensuring bereaved individuals receive accurate information and timely assistance throughout the paperwork and notification processes.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain diaries, data and minute‑taking for all Bereavement Team meetings and events.
* Provide administrative support to the Medical Examiners Service, reviewing and completing all relevant paperwork accurately and on time.
* Engage with bereaved families, carers, friends and legal representatives, offering empathy, guidance and professional support.
* Use initiative and attention to detail to deliver a high standard of work, adapting to competing priorities and tight deadlines.
* Manage multiple tasks concurrently while maintaining accuracy and a calm, professional approach under pressure.
* Support emotional resilience and seek workplace support as needed.
* Collaborate with colleagues to improve processes, contribute to audits and promote best practice within the team.
Person Specification
Education
* GCSE level of education or equivalent.
* Training in bereavement support.
Essential Criteria
* Strong computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office.
* Experience in an administrative role with knowledge of office procedures.
* Experience working with bereaved families or in emotionally sensitive situations.
* Demonstrable experience of training or mentoring staff.
Desirable Criteria
* Minutes‑taking training or evidence of experience.
* European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
* Experience conducting audits.
* Experience in a healthcare setting.
* Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 and The Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019.
Skills & Abilities
* Excellent time‑management skills and proven ability to meet deadlines.
* Understanding of data protection and confidentiality.
* Very good interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Benefits
* Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on work–life balance.
* Annual leave: 27 days for new starters, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service.
* NHS pension scheme.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Money Advice Service.
* Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff.
* On‑site nursery at RBH.
* Full educational library services.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme, lockable storage for cycles.
* Bus‑to‑work scheme and excellent rail and bus links.
* Health Service discounts at major brands.
Approved Sponsorship
We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered for applicants requiring sponsorship, alongside all other applications.
Our Values
Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful, Excellent – our guiding principles for outstanding care.
Commitments
The Trust provides a smoke‑free environment, follows safeguarding policies and promotes a safe, supportive workplace for all staff and volunteers.
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