About Us

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Hello,

I’m Chad Brown, Founder and Director of Progressive Independence Ltd.

For as long as I can remember, I have aspired to create my own children’s services — a place where I could make the decisions, set the culture, and mould something unique, bold, and spectacular for children and young people. After more than 16 years working across the social care sector, from frontline roles to senior management and troubleshooting services across the South West, I knew it was time to bring that vision to life.

I hold a Social Work degree, which has grounded my practice in both theory and lived experience. My approach has always been about thinking outside the box. I bring creativity, innovation, and determination into everything I do. Whether it was running children’s homes, leading step-down services, managing short breaks and respite, or driving quality assurance in specialist learning disability provision, my goal has always been the same: to create environments where children and young people feel safe, inspired, and able to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Progressive Independence is built on the belief that with the right culture, the right people, and the right support, children and young people can thrive. I lead with hope and aspiration — not just for the organisation, but for every single child and young person we support. From the top down, I am committed to an open culture, where staff feel valued, ideas are welcomed, and innovation shapes the way we care.

Our name says it all. Progressive Independence is about moving forward — step by step — with children and young people at the centre. We focus on trauma-informed care, education, skills, and life pathways that empower children not only to recover from their past but to build a future full of confidence, resilience, and opportunity.

I believe leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about vision, creativity, and courage. I have high aspirations for all our young people and the determination to ensure Progressive Independence remains a place where they can truly flourish.

And if you are considering joining us, you will be supported from day one — not only to grow in your role, but to feel part of a team that welcomes people in, values your voice, and ensures you can make a real difference.

This is just the beginning of the journey, and I’m proud to be shaping something that’s not only different, but truly transformational.

Warmly,

Chad Brown

Founder & Director

I’m Adam Hurst, Co-Director and part-owner of Progressive Independence, and founder of YouThrive Academy. Alongside leading YouThrive, I am also the Education and Training Lead across Progressive Independence, ensuring that children, young people, and staff benefit from high-quality learning, development, and CPD opportunities.

With a First-Class Honours degree in Education and over seven years’ teaching experience—including two years as Head of Year and a role as Safeguarding Lead—I bring a wealth of knowledge and practice to both education and care. 

I am also trauma CPD accredited, delivering accredited trauma-informed training across the organisation to embed a culture of resilience, recovery, and understanding.

My work is driven by a deep passion for supporting children and young people who have faced disadvantage, trauma, or disrupted education. At YouThrive Academy, I lead a dedicated team committed to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and empowering young people to grow in confidence, independence, and self-worth.

Across Progressive Independence, my role is to ensure that education, training, and trauma-informed practice are at the heart of everything we do—helping young people not only achieve but truly thrive.

— Adam Hurst

“Hello, I’m Joanne Amos, and I’m proud to be the Registered Manager of Old School House.

I have worked in the children’s care sector for over ten years and hold a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Children and Young People’s Services. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where children feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.

At Old School House, my role is to ensure the highest standards of care and safeguarding every single day. I believe in a compassionate, consistent approach that gives children a sense of security, stability, and hope for the future.

It’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated team and to see the positive outcomes we can achieve together for the children in our care.”

— Joanne Amos

“Hello, I’m Emma McAllister, and I’m proud to manage Russell Road, our Supported Accommodation service. My career in social care began in 2014, first as a volunteer working with vulnerable adults and young people in Liverpool. That experience ignited my passion for supporting others, and within a year I secured a permanent role with high-risk young offenders aged 18+. Over the following years I progressed to Deputy Manager and later Manager of Homeless Services, while completing my NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.

In 2019, I moved into children’s services, supporting young people aged 16–18. As both a mother and a professional, I developed a deep empathy for children in care and became committed to helping them build confidence and achieve their goals. Since then, I have gained my NVQ Level 5 in Children, Young People and Families and continued to broaden my skills through specialist training.

I have managed multiple provisions, during the challenges of COVID-19, and I bring experience in recruitment, supervisions, appraisals, and supporting staff to deliver consistent, high-quality care. At Russell Road, I work closely with both staff and young people to develop support plans, risk assessments, and strong partnerships with professionals, ensuring every young person receives the right support.

I am passionate about seeing young people thrive — growing in independence, resilience, and self-belief — and it is a privilege to lead the Russell Road service alongside a dedicated and compassionate team.”

 — Emma McAllister