The opportunity
Bate & Holland is looking for a dependable, compassionate and professional Funeral Service Operative to join our team.
This is a responsible, practical role carrying out time-critical removals on behalf of HM Coroner. Working as one member of a two-person team, you will operate an assigned removal vehicle within a designated geographical area.
You will represent both Bate & Holland and HM Coroner while undertaking authorised removals. Every person in our care must be treated safely, respectfully and with dignity.
The role also includes reasonable funeral-home duties when required.
Your responsibilities
As a Funeral Service Operative, you will:
- Remain available and fit for duty throughout each assigned 72-hour on-call shift
- Respond promptly to removal instructions issued by the Shift Controller
- Attend instructed locations within the contractual maximum response time
- Confirm identification details carefully before carrying out a removal
- Carry out the safe, dignified removal and transportation of deceased persons
- Use approved equipment and removal techniques appropriate to each situation
- Follow manual-handling, infection-control, safeguarding, and health-and-safety procedures
- Work cooperatively with your assigned partner and support other teams when directed
- Maintain regular communication with the Shift Controller regarding your location, availability and progress
- Communicate calmly and professionally with bereaved families, police, emergency services, hospitals, care homes, mortuaries, coronial staff and funeral directors
- Complete all paperwork accurately, fully and legibly
- Protect confidential and personal information at all times
- Undertake reasonable additional funeral-home duties while on shift
About you
This role requires maturity, discretion and emotional resilience. You must be able to remain calm and professional when working in sensitive, distressing or unpredictable circumstances.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is reliable, punctual and able to remain available throughout the on-call period
- Treats deceased persons and bereaved families with dignity, empathy and respect
- Presents themselves professionally and maintains a clean, smart appearance
- Communicates clearly and appropriately with families and professional organisations
- Works effectively as part of a two-person team
- Can follow instructions, procedures and defined escalation routes
- Pays close attention to identification details and written documentation
- Understands the importance of confidentiality
- Can undertake the physical and manual-handling requirements of the role safely
- Is willing to work flexibly and respond promptly when called
- Can make sensible routine decisions within their training while recognising when guidance is required
- Holds a full UK driving licence
- Can travel within the designated operational area
Previous funeral-service experience is not necessarily required. Appropriate induction and practical training will be provided. Applicants must, however, be comfortable with the nature of deceased-care work and demonstrate the professionalism required to represent Bate & Holland and HM Coroner.
Our standards and values
Successful Funeral Service Operatives are expected to demonstrate:
- Dignity and respect
- Dependability and accountability
- Professionalism and empathy
- Accurate identification and paperwork
- Safe working practices
- Effective teamwork
- Clear communication and handover
- Respect for confidentiality
- Reliable attendance and availability
Important information about the role
This position involves direct contact with deceased persons and bereaved families.
The Funeral Service Operative represents HM Coroner when carrying out the contracted service but does not hold the statutory powers or decision-making authority of a coroner or coroner’s officer.
The role operates on a three-days-on, three-days-off pattern, with each working period comprising a 72-hour on-call shift. Applicants should consider carefully whether they can meet the availability and response requirements of this working arrangement.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to discuss the practical demands, responsibilities and working pattern of the position.
The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK and complete Bate & Holland’s relevant pre-employment checks.
Bate & Holland is committed to fair recruitment and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
Pay: £26,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
