At a Glance
- Tasks: Collect, care for, and transport deceased individuals with dignity and respect.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council's compassionate team serving the Berkshire Coroners Service.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, life assurance, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making Reading a vibrant place.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting bereaved families in challenging situations.
- Qualifications: Calm, compassionate, and resilient individuals with a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Reading Borough Council hosts the Berkshire Coroners Service on behalf of six unitary authorities. We are now looking for a Body Collection Operative to join our dedicated team, providing a vital, professional and compassionate service on behalf of HM Senior Coroner. This is a unique and meaningful role for someone who is calm under pressure, emotionally resilient and committed to treating the deceased and the bereaved with dignity and respect at all times.
About The Role
- As a Body Collection Operative, you will be responsible for the collection, care, removal and transportation of deceased individuals following community deaths, ensuring their safe and dignified transfer to designated mortuaries across Berkshire and maybe outside of Berkshire.
- The body removal team is within the wider coroners’ team.
- Based at Reading Cemetery and Crematorium in hours and at home for out of hours.
- Respond to requests from Thames Valley Police, often in challenging or distressing circumstances.
- Safely drive council vehicles and attend locations within agreed response times.
- Maintain accurate documentation and full chain of custody.
- Support coronial operations across multiple mortuary sites.
- Assist with Public Health Funerals, including property searches, encoffining duties and acting as funeral director where required.
- Provide a professional, compassionate presence for bereaved families and members of the public.
- Support the operation of a new body storage facility due to go live in 2027.
- This role operates on a 24/7 rota, with on-call duties outside normal working hours. You must be able to reach any location within Berkshire within one hour when on call.
About You
- You are a calm, compassionate and professional individual who understands the importance of dignity, respect and sensitivity when working with the deceased and supporting the bereaved.
- You are able to communicate clearly and empathetically, often in challenging or emotionally charged situations, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
- You have the emotional resilience to cope with distressing scenes and the practical ability to carry out the physical aspects of the role, including lifting and moving.
- You are confident driving in a range of conditions and understand the importance of safe working practices, accurate record-keeping and maintaining high standards of care and presentation.
- You are a reliable team player with a flexible approach to work, willing to take part in a rota that includes evenings, weekends, bank holidays and on-call duties.
- You hold a full UK driving licence, have basic IT skills for completing documentation, and are committed to delivering a high-quality public service that truly makes a difference.
Our offer
- A supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across.
- Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
- A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Contact: rhiannon.charnock@reading.gov.uk
Body Collection Operative employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a Body Collection Operative within a compassionate and dedicated team. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the council provides a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, alongside generous benefits such as flexible working opportunities, a competitive salary, and a robust holiday entitlement. Employees are encouraged to innovate and collaborate, making a meaningful impact in the community while upholding the highest standards of care and respect for the bereaved and the deceased.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Body Collection Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. Think about how your skills align with the compassionate and professional service they’re looking for, and be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers, express why you want to work as a Body Collection Operative and how you can contribute to their mission of dignity and respect for the deceased and bereaved.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Reading Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Body Collection Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the role. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Show Your Compassion:This role is all about providing a compassionate service, so make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and care. Whether it’s in previous jobs or personal situations, we want to know how you handle sensitive circumstances.
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language, check for typos, and ensure your documentation is well-organised. This shows us you’re serious about the role and respect the process.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there, which can help you tailor your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Body Collection Operative. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects, such as handling deceased individuals with dignity and respect, and responding to requests from Thames Valley Police. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Emotional Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you handle emotionally charged situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've remained calm under pressure or provided support to others in distressing circumstances. This will demonstrate your suitability for a role that requires compassion and professionalism.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a team. The Body Collection Operative role is part of a wider coroners’ team, so it's important to convey your experience in working effectively with others. Mention any relevant teamwork experiences and how you contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the new body storage facility set to open in 2027. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
