Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.
Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
Our Public Health Service plays a vital role in this mission. A landmark £2 million investment delivered a comprehensive modernisation of Hackney Mortuary. Reopened in late 2024, the facility now provides a high-specification clinical environment designed to meet the borough’s future needs while honoring its historic architecture.
This heritage building, noted as the base for Operation Mincemeat during WWII, now balances its historical significance with modern excellence. The refurbishment has delivered increased capacity, energy-efficient refrigeration, and significantly improved family viewing area demonstrating Hackney’s commitment to ensuring we have a local mortuary that is fit for the future and convenient for our residents when they need it most.
The Hackney Public Mortuary provides an essential service by storing the deceased pending a funeral, facilitating the coronial process, and ensuring that every individual is treated with the utmost dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. For more information, please visit https://hackney.gov.uk/mortuary-service .
We are seeking a fully qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) to join our small, specialised team. You will work alongside the Mortuary Manager to ensure the efficient delivery of the Coroner’s service within our newly modernised suite.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting Pathologists in undertaking post-mortems (approx. 200–300 per year).
- Performing high-standard reconstructions and facilitating viewings in our new family areas.
- Maintaining the facility’s high standards under Human Tissue Authority (HTA) legislation and Data Protection guidelines.
- Ensuring full electronic traceability of all documentation and assisting in the day-to-day upkeep of the building.
- Deputising for the Mortuary Manager when required.
To be considered for this vital position, you must possess the RIPHH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or an equivalent Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (APT).
You will also need:
- Up-to-date knowledge of legal remits, HTA codes of practice, and the Public Health Act 1984.
- The tact and sensitivity required to support bereaved relatives during viewings.
- The ability to move weights (with mechanical aids) and maintain high levels of concentration during technical procedures.
- The ability to work independently or as part of a team, managing distressing cases with professionalism.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.
To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
This application process replaces a supporting statement.
Closing date for applications: 12 July 2026 (22.59)
Interview date: TBC
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: We act with Purpose and Respect, We take Ownership of our shared actions, We lead with Unity and celebrate Diversity.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: [email protected]
