Body Collection Operative - Casual

Reading Borough Council is looking for compassionate, professional, and reliable individuals to join our casual pool of Body Collection Operatives, working on behalf of HM Senior Coroner. This vital role involves the dignified collection, care, and transportation of deceased individuals across Berkshire, ensuring the highest standards of respect, professionalism, and sensitivity at all times.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role:
The Berkshire Coroner's Service investigates sudden, violent and unnatural deaths across Berkshire. Hosted by Reading Borough Council, the service has its central offices based in Reading Town Hall which includes a dedicated facility for inquest hearings.

The Body Collection Team is a service within the wider Coroners Team. Being based at Reading Cemetery and Crematorium during working hours and occasionally from home out of hours.

The team will be responsible for undertaking the collection, care, removal and transport of deceased patients following a community death. The service operates 24/7, 365 days per year.

As a Casual Body Collection Operative, you will respond to requests from Thames Valley Police to collect deceased persons from a wide range of locations and scenarios across the geographical area of Berkshire to a designated mortuary facility. You will also respond to requests from Coroner’s Officers to facilitate the transfer of deceased persons from and between funeral directors and/or mortuary facilities which may be outside of Berkshire.

This role is a casual post, covering vacant shifts when required to ensure continuity of service delivery.

About you:
The successful applicants will have experience of carrying out coronial removal work, or the transportation of the deceased for an organisation or funeral director. You will also need to have experience of commercial driving.

The ability to deal with the bereaved in a sensitive and tactful manner is essential as well as having the emotional resilience to cope with distressing and unpleasant scenes and situations. The successful applicants will also have the ability to carry out the physical aspect of the role, such as heavy lifting, pushing and pulling.

These posts will be based in Reading; however, you may be required to travel to various locations within Berkshire. Flexibility over working hours and willingness to participate in a rota which operates 24/7, 365 days per year is required. An enhanced DBS check will be required as part of the onboarding process.

Why join us:

• Flexible, casual shifts including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• A chance to make a meaningful difference to bereaved families during their most difficult times.
• Supportive team environment, full training, and PPE provided.

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

For more information on this position please contact Nate Sheils-Busby, Senior Body Collection Operative on nate.sheils-busby@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Monday 25th August 2025
Interview Date: TBC

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.