Essex Care Association (ECA) is an independent voluntary ‘not for profit’ organisation with the following aims and objectives: To represent the interests of social care providers from Essex, Southend and Thurrock locally, regionally and where possible, nationally To alert members to issues which affect social care organisation relating to legislation regulation and development of best practice To offer members a range of services to meet their needs and a mutual support network To keep members abreast of new developments within the sector, whilst signposting them to sources of information which may be helpful to them To provide funding information, advice and guidance on training and development