Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Mortuary Services team as a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician. You will receive structured training and hands-on experience in post-mortem care, mortuary operations, and related administrative duties. This role is ideal for individuals looking to develop a career in anatomical pathology within a supportive and professional environment.
**Note: Annex 21 training positions will be considered**
Main duties of the job
Assist qualified APTs in the preparation and reconstruction of deceased patients under supervision.
Learn and adhere to health and safety, infection control, and legal requirements.
Support the respectful handling, storage, and release of deceased patients.
Participate in training sessions and complete required competency assessments.
Maintain accurate records and assist with administrative tasks.
Compassionate and respectful approach to care.
Ability to follow procedures and maintain confidentiality.
Good communication and teamwork skills.
Willingness to learn and adapt in a sensitive environment.
Accredited training program leading to APT qualification.
Exposure to mortuary operations, post-mortem procedures, and bereavement services.
Career progression within Mortuary Services upon successful completion of training.
Participate in the retrieval of eyes for NHSBT after training.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page.
Details
Date posted
12 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
3 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
287-DTC-18-26
Job locations
Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
Liverpool
L7 8YE
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
To participate in the activities of the mortuary. Primarily providing a technical service,to the Trust and other users of the service assisting Histopathologists and Forensic
Pathologists during the post-mortem examination. At all times the dignity of thedeceased must be maintained
1. Services All technical aspects of maintaining and developing a mortuaryservice.
2. People health and safety, discipline, appraisal
3. Resources equipment evaluation, consumable evaluation
4. Information departmental procedures, computer skills, departmental meetings
5. Training Training and development of technical staff, continuing professional development.
Key Responsibilities
1.1 To undertake a share of the autopsy-related and day-to-day mortuary serviceactivity.
1.2 To assist with any post-mortem deemed to be high-risk, when fully trained.
1.3 To participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota, when trained.
1.4 To participate in the organisation and supervision of workshops held within themortuary.
1.5 To ensure that the dignity of the deceased is maintained.
2.1 Adhere to the organisations health and safety policies.
2.2 Assist in producing risk assessments.
2.3 Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee
3.1 To participate in assessing the needs for additional resources.
3.2 To participate in assessing new equipment.
3.3 To ensure that adequate levels of stocks and equipment are maintained.
3.4 To ensure equipment is maintained in a reasonable condition.
4.1 Ensure adherence to and participate in reviewing operational procedures.
4.2 Participate in departmental meetings.
4.3 To use the departmental computer system as required.
4.4 Regular liaison with hospital staff, funeral directors, Coroners office and otherpersonnel to maintain and improve the service.
4.5 Daily liaison with pathologists with regard to hospital and Coroners post-mortemexaminations.
4.6 Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.
5.1 To assist junior medical staff in becoming acquainted with local procedures.
5.2 To supervise mortuary assistants
5.3 To participate in the development and implementation of training programmes.
5.4 To participate in continuing professional development.
5.5 To work with other APTs to facilitate eye retrievals for NHSBT.
Clinical Governance / Quality
Primarily providing a technical service, to the Trust and other users of the service
assisting Histopathologists and Forensic Pathologists during the post-mortemexamination.
Education and Training development
Structed training and development needs to support the L3 and L4 Diploma in RSPH
To participate in the organisation and supervision of workshops held within themortuary.
Equality and Diversity
It is the responsibility of every member of staff to understand our equality anddiversity commitments and statutory obligations under current equality legislation (theEquality Act 2010) and to:
Act in ways that support equality and diversity and recognises the importance ofpeoples rights in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and good practice;
Valuing people as individuals and treating everyone with dignity and respect,consideration and without prejudice, respecting diversity and recognising peoplesexpressed beliefs, preferences and choices in working with others and deliveringappropriate services;
Recognise and report behaviour that undermines equality under Trust policy.
Be consciously aware of own behaviour and encourage the same levels ofbehaviour in colleagues.
Acknowledge others different perspectives and recognise the diverse needsand experiences of everyone they come into contact with.
With the support of managers develop an equality and diversity objectivethrough the personal development review process.
Values and Behaviours
We are Caring
We are kind to each other and always show compassion to ourselves and others.
We know we are doing this when:
We are always kind and compassionate to ourselves, our patients, familiesand colleagues.
We recognise and appreciate each other, taking pride in working here andour contribution to success.
We are professional and always seek to deliver the best standards of care.
We are Fair
We treat people equitably and value their differences.
We know we are doing this when:
We value everyone for their unique contribution and we embrace diversity;
We are confident in speaking up and we support all our colleagues to do thesame;
We are open and honest.
We Are Innovative
We work as a team to continuously improve the way we deliver and transform health care.
We know we are doing this when:
We continuously improve the services we deliver and pioneer new ways ofdoing things;
We learn from mistakes, striving to ensure we get things right first time;
We create and share knowledge with each other, patients and ourprofessional communities.
Infection Prevention & Control
All staff will adhere to infection control policies and procedures at all times and carryout role specific duties as per roles and responsibilities.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality/Data Protection regarding all personal information and Trust activitymust be maintained at all times (both in and out of working hours). All staff shouldensure that they are familiar with and adhere to all Trust privacy, confidentiality andsecurity policies and procedures. Any breach of confidentiality will be taken seriously and appropriate disciplinary action taken.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
To participate in the activities of the mortuary. Primarily providing a technical service,to the Trust and other users of the service assisting Histopathologists and Forensic
Pathologists during the post-mortem examination. At all times the dignity of thedeceased must be maintained
1. Services All technical aspects of maintaining and developing a mortuaryservice.
2. People health and safety, discipline, appraisal
3. Resources equipment evaluation, consumable evaluation
4. Information departmental procedures, computer skills, departmental meetings
5. Training Training and development of technical staff, continuing professional development.
Key Responsibilities
1.1 To undertake a share of the autopsy-related and day-to-day mortuary serviceactivity.
1.2 To assist with any post-mortem deemed to be high-risk, when fully trained.
1.3 To participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota, when trained.
1.4 To participate in the organisation and supervision of workshops held within themortuary.
1.5 To ensure that the dignity of the deceased is maintained.
2.1 Adhere to the organisations health and safety policies.
2.2 Assist in producing risk assessments.
2.3 Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee
3.1 To participate in assessing the needs for additional resources.
3.2 To participate in assessing new equipment.
3.3 To ensure that adequate levels of stocks and equipment are maintained.
3.4 To ensure equipment is maintained in a reasonable condition.
4.1 Ensure adherence to and participate in reviewing operational procedures.
4.2 Participate in departmental meetings.
4.3 To use the departmental computer system as required.
4.4 Regular liaison with hospital staff, funeral directors, Coroners office and otherpersonnel to maintain and improve the service.
4.5 Daily liaison with pathologists with regard to hospital and Coroners post-mortemexaminations.
4.6 Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.
5.1 To assist junior medical staff in becoming acquainted with local procedures.
5.2 To supervise mortuary assistants
5.3 To participate in the development and implementation of training programmes.
5.4 To participate in continuing professional development.
5.5 To work with other APTs to facilitate eye retrievals for NHSBT.
Clinical Governance / Quality
Primarily providing a technical service, to the Trust and other users of the service
assisting Histopathologists and Forensic Pathologists during the post-mortemexamination.
Education and Training development
Structed training and development needs to support the L3 and L4 Diploma in RSPH
To participate in the organisation and supervision of workshops held within themortuary.
Equality and Diversity
It is the responsibility of every member of staff to understand our equality anddiversity commitments and statutory obligations under current equality legislation (theEquality Act 2010) and to:
Act in ways that support equality and diversity and recognises the importance ofpeoples rights in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and good practice;
Valuing people as individuals and treating everyone with dignity and respect,consideration and without prejudice, respecting diversity and recognising peoplesexpressed beliefs, preferences and choices in working with others and deliveringappropriate services;
Recognise and report behaviour that undermines equality under Trust policy.
Be consciously aware of own behaviour and encourage the same levels ofbehaviour in colleagues.
Acknowledge others different perspectives and recognise the diverse needsand experiences of everyone they come into contact with.
With the support of managers develop an equality and diversity objectivethrough the personal development review process.
Values and Behaviours
We are Caring
We are kind to each other and always show compassion to ourselves and others.
We know we are doing this when:
We are always kind and compassionate to ourselves, our patients, familiesand colleagues.
We recognise and appreciate each other, taking pride in working here andour contribution to success.
We are professional and always seek to deliver the best standards of care.
We are Fair
We treat people equitably and value their differences.
We know we are doing this when:
We value everyone for their unique contribution and we embrace diversity;
We are confident in speaking up and we support all our colleagues to do thesame;
We are open and honest.
We Are Innovative
We work as a team to continuously improve the way we deliver and transform health care.
We know we are doing this when:
We continuously improve the services we deliver and pioneer new ways ofdoing things;
We learn from mistakes, striving to ensure we get things right first time;
We create and share knowledge with each other, patients and ourprofessional communities.
Infection Prevention & Control
All staff will adhere to infection control policies and procedures at all times and carryout role specific duties as per roles and responsibilities.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality/Data Protection regarding all personal information and Trust activitymust be maintained at all times (both in and out of working hours). All staff shouldensure that they are familiar with and adhere to all Trust privacy, confidentiality andsecurity policies and procedures. Any breach of confidentiality will be taken seriously and appropriate disciplinary action taken.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Certificate in Anatomical pathology Techniques or equivalent qualifications/experience
* Diploma in anatomical pathology techniques
Experience
Essential
* Evidence of appropriate practical experience in routine and high risk post mortems
Desirable
* Evidence of undertaking forensic post mortem examinations
* Evidence of out of hours working
Knowledge
Essential
* Knowledge of coronial system
* A detailed knowledge of H&S within a mortuary environment
* Understanding of the requirements of HTA
Desirable
* Understanding of ISO standards for UKAS accrediation
Skills
Essential
* Evidence of good verbal and written communication skills
* Good IT skills
Other
Essential
* Evidence of own personal on-going development (CPD)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Certificate in Anatomical pathology Techniques or equivalent qualifications/experience
* Diploma in anatomical pathology techniques
Experience
Essential
* Evidence of appropriate practical experience in routine and high risk post mortems
Desirable
* Evidence of undertaking forensic post mortem examinations
* Evidence of out of hours working
Knowledge
Essential
* Knowledge of coronial system
* A detailed knowledge of H&S within a mortuary environment
* Understanding of the requirements of HTA
Desirable
* Understanding of ISO standards for UKAS accrediation
Skills
Essential
* Evidence of good verbal and written communication skills
* Good IT skills
Other
Essential
* Evidence of own personal on-going development (CPD)
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
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
Liverpool
L7 8YE
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
Liverpool
L7 8YE
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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