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About the RCPA Team

Learn more about the RCPA Team

Hello, and thank you for taking an interest in the Registered Care Providers’ Association (RCPA). Returning visitor? Welcome back!

Here at the RCPA, THE independent care association for Somerset, we are very proud of and passionate about the work we do, with people being our priority and our ‘reason to be’. We’re very well connected to a nationwide community (member of the Care Association Alliance) of like-minded colleagues sharing best practice, networking, and lobbying on our members’ behalf; as a member you can be sure you will be kept up to date with the latest developments, what’s on the social care radar.

We do hope you enjoy browsing and discovering the services and events on offer. From our well established and reputable Trusted Assessor service to individual member support; influence, lobbying and engagement with partners and stakeholders, to a personalised DBS service; key worker accommodation to the new Health and Social Care Academy; hospital discharges to digitalisation; from fees to domestic, international recruitment and displaced workers; these are just a few of the areas where we are actively involved.

If you are thinking about whether to become a member of the RCPA, then please contact us to find out more. At the heart of the RCPA’s service offer is quality, support and influence, and our strength is in a united and independent voice, effectively the ‘glue’ in the health and social care sector. Amidst these uncertain and challenging times locally, nationally, and globally, now more than ever it’s important to ‘champion’ ‘challenge’, be part of a growing community of dedicated care providers who want to do the right thing for the people of Somerset.

If you think we have missed something, (we’re always looking to improve) or just want to find out more, we would love to hear from you! admin@rcpa.org.uk.

Please scroll down to learn more about our team where you will see that we offer a diverse range of skills and experience to support our members.

Hilary Robinson -
Chief Executive Officer

I qualified as a Registered General Nurse (Adults) in 1989 following three years of hospital-based training working under the excellent supervision and guidance of the strict ward matrons, auxiliaries, and enrolled nurses for which I am forever grateful! Spending an afternoon in the sluice, cleaning and collecting the flower vases or tidying the linen cupboard, generally ensuring everything was spick and span was all part of good basic training, as well as supreme bed making with ‘hospital’ corners (badly made beds and unkempt environments being symptomatic of poor practice) whilst being quiet as a church mouse during consultant ward rounds. I reflect with fondness and nostalgia!

Following registration I worked as a staff nurse in ICU, surgery (urology and colorectal) and medicine in the NHS, also in the independent adult social care sector, (studying for a law degree whilst working as a bank/agency nurse when agency working was in its infancy). Here I managed complex and transformative ‘turnarounds’ for large (90-120 beds) dual registered care homes (the sleepless nights forgiven and rewarded by achievement and being proud of colleagues and teamwork) both in the UK and NZ; latterly as CEO for a successful start- up nursing and care agency, including international recruitment. I have been fortunate to pursue a varied nursing career, exemplified by the infinite and rewarding career opportunities on offer in this dynamic sector! A long time has elapsed since I qualified, except for a short career break for family, travel and studying for my master’s degree, I have always been keen to learn and keep up to date with the latest developments whilst maintaining my nursing registration with pride.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me happiest on a plane to anywhere, usually Majorca, top fave, (oh, the excitement and joy of travel), meeting people, enjoying good healthy food, and finding new recipes to try. Spontaneity is key. Other times I’m speed walking (the legacy of changing irrigation, IVs and post-surgery obs), immersing in nature, at the gym or on the lookout for a good cafe. Forever curious and never stop still; those close to me, tell me, it’s true. When I do sit down, I’m listening to classical music or seeing the latest film. I don’t like shopping,(but love fashion, interiors, and a good lipstick) bad manners and being late. I love cats, horses, and donkeys, in fact, all animals and anything to do with the outdoors involving a good walk and chance to wear my muddy boots. This year, I need to improve my limited command of Spanish. I will find retirement challenging.

Laura Stooke - Business Manager

I started working permanently for RCPA in 2015 after having my first child. Prior to that I ran my own secretarial services company and it was during that time that I started working part time with RCPA. I have over 20 years’ experience of administrative and financial duties and have previously worked in banking and for a firm of financial advisers.  I have enjoyed developing my role over the past few years at RCPA, helping the company to grow and further support providers.  I live just outside of Taunton with my partner and two children. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading and long walks in the countryside.

Daniel Plummer - Project Lead

I have worked in social care for over 12 years, I started to work in a care home as a cleaner when I was still in college. I made the move into administration a few years later working with management and carers supporting their role and residents ensuring their changing needs are met. From here I developed the role which now includes being responsible for the ASC and CHC finances and being made Data Protection Officer when the DSPT was introduced. My work allows me to find new and efficient ways of working, I migrated the company to a cloud-based service and implemented new software to help become a more digitally focused company.

My work for RCPA is being a Local Support Officer for the DSPT working with regional and national partners to provide the most effective support for care providers. My experience with the DSPT allows me to assist care providers to register and publish their own DSPT. The care home I worked with had very little in place for data protection and security, my work with the DSPT means that it is now compliant with GDPR.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, I love reading and taking my dog walking on the beach.

Diana Sharp -
Membership & Communications Coordinator

I joined the RCPA in 2021 after taking a few years out to focus on raising my two young sons. Before this, I spent many years working for another membership organisation, where I supported the delivery of member services and events.

In my role at the RCPA, I provide help and support across our personalised DBS services, as well as assisting with membership, events, and wider administrative activities. I enjoy being part of a team that supports our members and helps things run smoothly behind the scenes.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and socialising with friends. I’m an avid reader and am currently in the middle of renovating our family home — a project that’s keeping us very busy!

Cara Hughes - Trusted Assessor

I have been working in Health and Social care for over 10 years, starting as a Support Worker for Adults with Learning Disabilities, studying a BSc in Childhood and Youth at the University of South Wales, and then completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work at Bristol University. I worked as a Social Worker for Adults in a community team before commencing work with the RCPA where I supported a variety of clients within different care specialities and support needs.

I have a strong interest in Mental Capacity and Safeguarding and currently act as the Trusted Assessor Champion for these areas. I have completed Safeguarding training for Leads and Managers and achieved a Distinction in my Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management. I have recently been appointed as the Lead Trusted Assessor for the team, further developing my leadership responsibilities and expertise in this area.

I am registered with Social Work England and have trained as a Practice Supervisor with the NMC through Bournemouth University in order to support student placements.

I would describe myself as a huge bookworm; I love to read. In my free time I enjoy exploring National Trust sites with my family.

Adriana Morcov-Marton - Trusted Assessor

I graduated as a General Nurse in Romania, in 2010. I started my career as a Registered General Nurse in Romania, working in various areas of Nursing, from acute settings to teaching and OOH service.

I moved to the UK in 2014 where I started to work in care home settings. Since then, I’ve worked in various care home settings such as General Nursing, Complex Care, Dementia care and OPMH, progressing in my career to more senior roles in the sector to Clinical Lead and Deputy Manager. I am the organisational lead for Dementia and OPMH.

I have recently achieved a Distinction in my Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management.

I have trained as a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor through Bournemouth University in order to be able to support, guide and supervise our Student Nurse placements.

In my spare time, I love taking walks with my dog (Border Collie called Arlo) and spending time with my family.

Kylie Storry - Trusted Assessor

I have been working in healthcare since the age of 17, starting my career as a medic in the Royal Navy where I served for just over seven years including overseas deployment. Following my naval career, I studied Paramedic Science at Bournemouth University where I qualified with a foundation degree in 2014 and am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

I am the founding member of the Trusted Assessor Scheme in Somerset having developed the role back in 2019 relishing its growth over the last 7 years. I am also a trained Practice Supervisor with the NMC through Bournemouth University enabling us to host and support nursing students.

My spare time has recently become rather hectic welcoming a beautiful little boy into our family however, I still very much enjoy being active and love the outdoors.

Lobeth Tanguanco - Trusted Assessor

I have twelve years of nursing experience, originally qualifying in the Philippines in 2008. I initially worked as a dialysis nurse and in critical care in the Philippines.  In 2010, I decided to study in the UK and earned a BSc (Hons) degree in International Nursing. Prior to qualifying as a UK RGN. I worked in the care home sector as a healthcare assistant to gain valuable experience needed to understand the health care setting in the UK. In 2012, I registered with the NMC to become a qualified Registered General Nurse in the UK. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in the NHS, care homes, and held managerial roles in Somerset.  I’ve also trained as an NMC Practice Supervisor and currently a Practice Assessor supporting our future nurses from Bournemouth University. 

I worked as a unit nurse manager and help set up a PW3 Bedded Facility in Taunton before I transitioned to the Trusted Assessor role in January 2022. I currently serve as the IT and Student Placement Lead for the team, providing IT support to colleagues and ensuring that student nurses receive the guidance and supervision they need throughout their placement within the Trusted Assessor Service. Currently, I am interested in media and marketing. Outside of work, I enjoy photography/videography and playing the drums. 

Liz Edmondson - Reservist Trusted Assessor

After qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in Scotland, I spent several happy years working in the acute surgical unit of my training hospital, situated within the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond National Park, before embarking on further studies leading to degrees in both Health Care Sciences and Occupational Health Nursing. 

As a strong believer in the importance of lifelong learning and maintaining and building professional skillsets, I also decided to undertake postgraduate studies in Travel Medicine, to support, as a naval military family, relocating to live and work abroad. 

Taking up specialist community nursing posts within the oil and gas energy sectors of Dubai and Qatar, I returned to UK in 2019 before joining Somerset NHS Foundation Trust as a vaccinator during the Covid Pandemic.  As the pandemic era subsided and vaccination needs diminished, I was offered the opportunity of assignment to RCPA as a Reservist Trusted Assessor and have enjoyed putting existing skills to use and learning new ones to support the reservist Trusted Assessor role.

Away from work, I love being a homemaker and enjoy spring and summer evening walks through country lanes in the surrounding villages and areas where I live and continue to enjoy travel to visit friends and family in Dubai when I can.

Penny Jordan - Reservist Trusted Assessor

I qualified as a registered nurse in 1983. I have enjoyed a varied career pathway with my early experience in the East End of London on the general wards, surgical and orthapaedics, gynae and also renal transplants in the private sector. I spent 3 years at Pontins Holidays in Yarmouth as the onsite nurse, and then I progressed as a medical ward sister with a specialism in HIV/AIDS and haematology with a bit of general medicine in the mix. A short time as a district nursing sister back in the East End with the rest of time as a Care Home manager, a few years were supporting younger people living with Dementia. I semi-retired about halfway through COVID times and was part of the vaccination programme.

I was very fortunate to then be invited to stay as a reservist and joined the RCPA Trusted Assessor team and have been with the team now for 3 years, It really is my perfect job, meeting lots of new people, supporting families with making the transition from hospital to care home and enabling the care home managers to have comprehensive assessments about people who may move into their service.