Redstone joins PSG, and we welcome Founder Kate Strutt as our new Division Lead for Training

We’re delighted to announce that Redstone has officially joined Positive Support Group, expanding the depth and reach of our national training offer. Alongside this, we warmly welcome Kate Strutt – founder of Redstone and highly experienced clinical psychologist – as PSG’s new Division Lead for Training.

PSG: To begin, could you tell us a little about your background and your journey into clinical psychology and PBS?

Kate: I actually started out on a very different path – in the arts – before finding my way to psychology. After working in a day service for people with physical and learning disabilities, I realised how much I valued direct support work. That experience shaped my understanding of the realities staff teams face. I went on to complete my psychology degree, worked as an assistant psychologist, then trained as a clinical psychologist. I spent around 17–18 years in a Community Learning Disability Team in Manchester, where I discovered I particularly enjoyed organisational work and supporting staff teams. Later, I sought more specialist mentoring in teaching new skills and completed the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Those experiences ultimately led me to set up Redstone.

PSG: What inspired you to establish Redstone PBS Training, and what are you most proud of from that journey?

Kate: Redstone began as a consultancy service, but over the years we shifted towards training because the demand – and the need – were so clear. I’m proudest of the training packages we developed, especially the four-day PBS Coaching and Practice course. We receive consistent feedback from practitioners saying, “I finally understand how to do PBS, not just what it is.” We’ve also invested a lot in understanding organisational systems and what gets in the way of embedding PBS effectively. That’s been a core interest for me.

PSG: Redstone’s training pathway is now joining PSG. Could you tell us more about the offer — and how organisations can use options like Learning and Development Support Scheme funding to access training?

Kate: Yes — adult social care providers can claim funding through the Learning and Development Support Scheme, as long as they’re registered on the Workforce Data Set. Two of our courses have been peer-reviewed by Skills for Care and are eligible for funding: the Introduction to PBS (which organisations can claim £66 per person for) and the four-day PBS Coaching and Practice course (£166 per person). We also offer Active Support training, which many providers are now looking to implement alongside PBS.

PSG: As the new Division Lead for Training, what are you most looking forward to bringing into PSG?

Kate: I’m excited about developing new training and making sure providers are aware of what’s already available — including funded options. PSG also has high-quality content on the learning management system, and I’m keen to help develop that further and combine the strengths from the teams at Redstone and PSG.

PSG: The theme of this newsletter is neurodiversity. How has neurodiversity-affirming practice shaped your approach to PBS and training?

Kate: We’ve made a conscious effort to ensure our training is accessible and flexible — for example, encouraging movement during sessions, using visual slides with minimal text, and asking providers in advance about any access needs. Neurodiversity-affirming practice is also about recognising that no two people’s needs are the same. Diagnostic labels can be helpful sometimes, but they’re only one part of understanding someone. Ultimately, PBS must adapt to the individual — whether that means observing subtle behavioural indicators for someone with profound disabilities or directly engaging people who can clearly express their views.

PSG: Finally, are there any innovations in PBS you’re particularly interested in?

Kate: I’m really interested in learning more about the breadth of PSG’s consultancy models. PSG applies behavioural science flexibly with a wide range of people, and that’s something I’m excited to explore more.