International Women’s Day Series: The power of the construction community

As part of International Women’s Day 2026 and this year’s theme Give to Gain, Sophie Thornley, Construction Partner at gunnercooke, reflects on how giving back has always been a natural and essential part of her life. Rather than seeing volunteering and social impact as something separate from her career, Sophie views them as connected.

She shares why supporting young people and communities is so important to her, particularly through her work with LandAid, where she has spent the past five years helping to tackle youth homelessness by bringing the property and construction industry together. She also explores the value of sustained involvement, highlighting her decade as a school governor and her belief that meaningful change happens over time.

This year’s theme is Give to Gain. What does giving mean to you?

For me, giving has always been part of everyday life rather than something separate from it. I’ve always volunteered in one way or another, and I see it as part of the ecosystem of life, we all benefit from the communities around us, so it feels natural to contribute to them in return.

I’m also very conscious of how fortunate I am. I’ve had the benefit of an education, a stable home and the ability to provide for my children. Not everyone has those fundamentals. Giving, to me, is partly about gratitude, recognising that luck and stability aren’t universal, and wanting other children and young people to have the same safety, security and opportunity, free from fear of hunger or homelessness.

The “gain” is real too. Giving brings perspective, connection and purpose as well as brilliant networking with likeminded individuals. It reminds me that impact isn’t only measured commercially, but in the difference you can make to people’s lives.

Why is it important to you have time to give back alongside your career?

I value long term commitment. I was a school governor for 10 years, including 2 years as Chair of Governors, and I’ve been on the board of LandAid for the past 5 years, taking on the Vice Chair role in the last year. For me, staying involved over time really matters as that’s where you see meaningful change.

Having space to give alongside my career keeps me balanced. It broadens my perspective, challenges my thinking in different ways, and reminds me why the work we do as professionals matters in a wider social context.

What are the causes important to you? How can others support and follow these causes?

I am particularly passionate about supporting young people and communities, whether that’s through education or through tackling youth homelessness, which is the focus of LandAid.

Every child and young adult should have the safety of a stable home and the opportunity to build a future without fear. LandAid’s work is powerful because it brings the property industry together to create practical, lasting solutions to youth homelessness.

People can support in lots of ways, such as fundraising, volunteering time or skills, mentoring, or simply raising awareness. You don’t have to do something dramatic; consistent, collective effort makes a real difference.  On that note, please do consider joining us at the LandAid Sleepout on 5 March, or supporting the team through sponsorship.

Is there a campaign you are most proud of?

Rather than one specific campaign, I’m most proud of being part of sustained efforts that create long-term impact. At LandAid, seeing projects that directly provide safe accommodation for young people, and knowing the industry has come together to support that, is incredibly rewarding. Similarly, during my time as a governor and Chair of Governors, being part of shaping two school communities over a decade, and watching the children and community grow and thrive, was something I’ll always value.

Wwhat does it mean to you to be part of a firm with a wider purpose?

Being part of a firm that recognises and encourages a wider purpose makes a real difference. The flexibility afforded by gunnercooke means I can take on meaningful external roles without feeling that they sit in tension with my career.

One of the things I value most about being part of gunnercooke is that giving back isn’t an afterthought, it’s embedded in the culture. The gunnercooke Foundation is a clear example of that commitment. It creates a structure and platform for meaningful social impact, allowing anyone interested to contribute. It’s important to me to be part of an organisation that understands that professional success and social contribution aren’t competing priorities, but instead that they strengthen each other.

You can learn more about LandAid and their mission in providing homes, jobs and skills for young people here.