Our Story

Chad Brown – Founder and Registered Service Manager, Nominated & Responsible Individual

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

I created Progressive Independence to build a service that is bold, innovative, and truly child-centred. With over 16 years’ experience across the health and social care sector—including children’s homes, step-down services, short breaks, learning disability provision, and residential care—I have worked from frontline roles through to senior leadership. Along the way, I have gained a Degree in Social Work, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Health & Social Care), and have held registration as a Registered Manager with Ofsted, bringing strong regulatory knowledge and safeguarding expertise into my leadership.

Progressive Independence is built on vision, creativity, and courage. My role is to lead with that vision—shaping a culture where staff feel valued, ideas are encouraged, and young people remain at the centre. For me, leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about creating environments where both children and staff can thrive.

This work is deeply personal. I believe every child deserves the same safety, stability, and opportunity we would want for our own. Progressive Independence exists to make that vision a reality—step by step, moving forward together.

— Chad Brown

Adam Hurst — Co-Director, Progressive Independence & Founder of YouThrive Academy

I’m Adam Hurst, Co-Director and part-owner of Progressive Independence, and founder of YouThrive Academy.
Alongside leading YouThrive, I oversee Education and Training across Progressive Independence, making sure children, young people, and staff all 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 both knowledge and lived practice to 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 focus is to ensure that education, training, and trauma-informed practice sit at the heart of everything we do—helping young people not just to achieve, but to truly thrive.

— Adam

Learn more- @YouThrive Academy

Kelly Harris – HR Business Partner (Senior Administration)

Hello, I’m Kelly Harris, HR Business Partner at Progressive Independence.

I’ve worked in administration, recruitment, and business management for over 20 years, including running my own company and supporting teams across different sectors. My role here is focused on HR and senior administration — from recruitment and onboarding, to compliance, payroll, and keeping staff records up to date.

For me, administration isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about people. I’m passionate about making sure staff feel supported, valued, and able to focus on the most important part of our work: giving children and young people the best opportunities to thrive.

— Kelly

Meet Joanne Amos – Registered Manager, Old School House (Chidlren's Home)

“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

Meet Emma McAllister – Home Manager, Russell Road (Supported Accommodation)

Hello, I’m Emma McAllister, Manager of Russell Road Supported Accommodation.
I began my career in social care in 2014, working with vulnerable adults and high-risk young offenders, before moving into children’s services in 2019. Since then, I’ve gained my NVQ Level 5 in Children, Young People and Families and have managed multiple provisions, supporting staff to deliver consistent, high-quality care.

At Russell Road, I work closely with staff, young people, and professionals to ensure every child receives the right support. I’m passionate about helping young people thrive — growing in independence, resilience, and self-belief — and it’s a privilege to lead this service alongside such a dedicated team.