We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the support and services that are available to you as a member of the RCPA.
What We Do
Established in 1981, the RCPA is the Somerset-wide member association for health and social care providers. Our mission is to support, represent, and connect care providers across the county.
We provide a comprehensive service to our members, including:
– Representation: Acting as a voice for care providers to key stakeholders.
– Support and Resources: Providing signposting, tools, and guidance.
– Collaboration: Facilitating integrated health and care engagement.
– Policy Development: Supporting development and delivery of quality care.
Our service offer “quality, support, and influence” – More info
Key Services
DBS & HR Services: Efficient DBS checks and HR tools. Our rate for an Enhanced DBS check for RCPA members is currently £61.50. My colleague Diana (admin@rcpa.org.uk) manages this service, and we use a user-friendly online platform. We can also provide guidance on DBS checks, the DBS update service, right to work checks and other employment questions you may have.
Trusted Assessor Scheme: Supporting safe and informed hospital discharge https://rcpa.org.uk/trusted-assessor-scheme/
Digital & Data Security Support: Help with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and Caldicott Guardian service. Please contact our Project Delivery Officer, Dan Plummer, for further information daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk
Policies & Procedures: We provide a comprehensive range of policies & procedures free to RCPA members. These can be downloaded and personalised to your organisational needs, and we will email you monthly to advise which ones have been updated. Please contact Diana at admin@rcpa.org.uk to request these.
Support and Resources: We send out regular e-bulletins to members and have a resources web page. For recent e-bulletins please see here and for our resources page visit here. You should have already received log in details for the website, but should you want to add colleagues please do let us know.
Institute of Health & Social Care Management Membership: We have recently joined the IHSCM https://ihm.org.uk/ and RCPA members can now benefit from free membership. They have a wide range of resources including leadership and management training.
International Recruitment: You may currently hold a sponsorship licence(s) to recruit international care workers. The RCPA is working with Somerset Council and SW Councils to support displaced workers and providers in Somerset who have care worker vacancies. Please keep an eye out for further information in our next bulletin.
Networking: There is opportunity to connect with other care providers at our events (please see upcoming events below), member network meetings and also via our RCPA Member WhatsApp Group. Should you want to be added to the WhatsApp group please do contact us.
Upcoming Events
Next Members Network Meeting
Date: Tuesday 15th July 2025
14.00-15.00hrs via TEAMs, please find the meeting link below. The agenda will be circulated soon.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 394 326 877 072 6
Passcode: VV6sR2ar
Somerset Displaced Workers and Care Providers’ Network
Date: 30th September; 9.45am – 2.30pm
Venue: Edgar Hall, Somerton, TA11 6SB.
In collaboration with Somerset Council and our partners, the RCPA, www.rcpa.org.uk THE Care Association for Somerset, is pleased to announce the launch of a series of in person events, commencing with an inaugural session on 30th September 2025 at Edgar Hall, Somerton. The purpose of these events will be to support care workers and providers who are engaging in the new processes around the government displaced worker policy which came into effect on the 9th of April 2025. Whether you are an experienced sponsor/employer or embarking on your journey, please join us for this important event where you will have an opportunity in an informal and collegiate space to network, hear about stories and lived experiences, connect with displaced workers and exhibitors, share best practice with colleagues, ultimately shaping and securing the future for this vital part of the workforce.
What should you expect?
The session format (half day, AM session) will include tabletop discussions and take place on the same day and at the same venue as the RCPA’s Cyber Escape Room session (PM session, details below). Attendees will have the option to join one or both sessions. A delicious lunch, light bites and refreshments will be on offer. We do hope you can join us.
Who should attend?
Registered managers, deputy managers, directors and team leaders working within an organisation that specialises in adult social care, domiciliary care, and supported living. All ASC providers across Somerset are welcome.
Agenda
9.45am: Registration & refreshments
10.00am: Welcome and update from RCPA
10.15am: Displaced Workers and Care Providers’ Network – Tabletop Discussions
12.00pm: Lunch – all welcome to stay for lunch (included)
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1.00pm: Cyber Escape Room – Avon and Somerset Police will be hosting a cyber security escape room where you will solve puzzles and challenges based on real world risks. This interactive, gamified learning experience will raise your awareness of cyber threats and tips to take back to your own organisation.
2.30pm: Close
Please note, this is a free event. To register for this event, please email admin@rcpa.org.uk with delegate names, dietary requirements, organisation name and which sessions you would like to attend.
SAVE THE DATE! RCPA Annual Conference – 3rd December 2025
The theme of the conference will be ‘Taking the Lead’
Taunton Racecourse Conference Centre, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 7BL
We recently held two successful training days in collaboration with the Somerset Health & Care Academy. We are hopeful there will be more later this year, so watch this space!
Meet the Team
– Hilary Robinson – Chief Executive Officer; hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk
– Laura Stooke – Business Manager; laura.stooke@rcpa.org.uk
– Daniel Plummer – Project Delivery Officer; daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk
– Diana Sharp – Office Administrator; admin@rcpa.org.uk
– Trusted Assessors – Cara, Adriana, Lobeth & Kylie; trustedassessor@rcpa.org.uk
We are supported by a dedicated Board of Directors.
More info can be found here https://rcpa.org.uk/about-us/
Our Sponsors
Please do visit our website here to view details of the organisations partnered with us and the support they can offer our members https://rcpa.org.uk/sponsors-suppliers/
Contact Us
Registered Care Providers Association Ltd
Victoria House, Victoria St, Taunton, TA1 3FA
Phone: 01823 351630
Email: admin@rcpa.org.uk
Website: www.rcpa.org.uk
If there is any support that you require that isn’t mentioned here, then please do contact us.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Together, we can help strengthen the future of social care.
