Q & A with Stella Thorndike, Head of Change and Sustainability

May 26, 2025

Q & A with Stella Thorndike, Head of Change and Sustainability

"It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters."

What excites you most about where we’re headed? It’s the power of people doing small things with great intention. We’re not reacting to change, we’re shaping it. Every role has an impact. Every action matters.

What’s the bigger picture you’re working towards? It’s simple, this is about the way we choose to care. Not just for the people in our homes but for the land we stand on, the resources we use and the systems we’re a part of. Our Living Care Plan is a commitment to show up differently - thinking bigger, acting braver, and remembering that every choice we make, from what we buy to how we build, reflects who we are.

What would you say to staff who feel sustainability isn’t their job? It already is. Whether you turn off a light, help residents access nature, or reduce food waste, these acts matter. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what we already do with purpose.

What’s next for the Living Care Working Group? This group is full of quiet trailblazers. People who are deeply committed to doing better for our people and planet. We’re looking at biodiversity, water use, food systems, community engagement - you name it. It’s about showing up for something bigger than ourselves, together.

If there’s one thing you want every staff member to know, what is it? You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. We're in this together and it’s the way we show up for each other and for our planet that define who we are.