About RCPA Ltd
Our History
We were founded in 1981 as a professional association representing care providers in Somerset, including residential, domiciliary care and nursing agencies. We have since grown to become the largest representative body within the county. We incorporated the Association in 2008 to become a not for profit company with a corporate Board of seven members, all of whom have experience of business and the care sector and who are firmly committed to the provision of quality care in the county.
What We Do
The RCPA supports and pursues its strategic aims through various endeavours:
• We develop and maintain robust relationships with commissioners e.g. Local Authority, statutory and regulatory bodies, the County Council and other agencies and organisations, thereby representing members’ views and negotiating on their behalf.
• We contribute to regional and where appropriate national networks.
• We maintain an interactive website to disseminate information and guidance to members.
• We respond to any individual member’s needs on specific issues.
• We hold annual and periodic seminars covering topical matters of interest to members.
• We prepare and produce the Who Cares? Magazine and monthly newsletters, keeping members up to date on topical issues.
• We prepare policy and procedure document templates for adaptation and use by members.
• We provide continuous encouragement and support to members assisting them with the continual improvement of quality care provision.
• We influence provision of services to support workforce and business development.
• We contribute to market development and transformation of services in line with new visions for social care.
• We provide a network for care providers to work together in ways which are mutually beneficial.
• We seek to influence the way in which central government grants for training in our sector are spent.
• We engage with Senior County Councillors, local MPs, the NHS PCT and other decision makers and interested organisations.