ECA has a small but dedicated and experienced office team. The team are friendly and approachable, able to offer advice and guidance to social care providers in Essex, Southend and Thurrock, so please do get in contact with any questions or queries. Due to being a largely remote team, our preferred method of contact is via email.
Simon Harniess
Director of Development
Simon Harniess
Director of Development
Simon has worked as Director of Development for Essex Care Association since 2018.
Simon started his career in Social Care in 1983 and has extensive experience as a provider and commissioner of services for vulnerable adults, including a spell as a Registered Manager.
Simon worked for Essex County Council for 12 years where he was involved in a number of areas, mainly Housing Related Support, but also Community Equipment Services, Domestic Abuse Community Services and Domiciliary Care, as well as working extensively with district and borough Housing partners on homelessness issues. Simon is also an associate of the Institute of Public Care.
Away from work, Simon is a keen runner and an occasional volunteer for his local running club and Parkrun. He also enjoys cooking, which he practices with ‘more enthusiasm than skill!’
Julie Ripper
Workforce Development Fund Lead
Julie Ripper
Workforce Development Fund Lead
Having worked closely with Skills for Care over the last 15 years, Julie has extensive experience of the training and development challenges that face adult social care providers and has supported ECA to successfully disseminate over £1 million in WDF funding during that period. Julie works on a free-lance basis and offers a flexible working approach which she adapts to the needs of the Association.
In addition, Julie works in the home care market, and brings to her role with ECA 25 years of experience of working with local authorities at a strategic level.
Julie enjoys being in the great outdoors and engaging with flora and fauna, as well as trying to tame her somewhat overgrown garden. She loves to travel and spend time with her family who are scattered across the world.
Hannah McLaughlin
Development Manager
Hannah McLaughlin
Development Manager
Hannah joined ECA in 2023, having previously worked for a similar organisation in Suffolk.
Hannah has worked in social care in one way or another for most of her working life, starting in 2011 in Children and Young Families, before moving to Adult Social Care in 2015. In this time Hannah has worked in various roles, including administration, Adult Social Care recruitment and project management, before joining ECA as Development Manager.
Hannah has a very good understanding and knowledge of workforce issues along with the other challenges facing the sector and is very much looking forward to supporting our valued members.
Hannah has a little boy, which currently means there is very little opportunity for spare time and hobbies. However, she does very much enjoy pottering in the garden whilst he looks for worms and cooking whilst he pulls all of the pots and pans out of the cupboards!
Tanya Brader
Administration and Events Coordinator
Tanya Brader
Administration and Events Coordinator
Tanya has joined ECA in 2024 having worked in a similar organisation in Suffolk.
Tanya has experience in project management, event coordination and business administration across the health and social care sector.
Tanya will be organising a range of conferences, webinars and events for ECA as well as managing our communications and social media output. She will also be providing business support to the organisation, including managing memberships.
Tanya holds a degree in Nutrition and is passionate about food. In her spare time she enjoys cooking for family and friends. Tanya also participates in local Zumba and Fitness classes.