During the onset of COVID 19 in March 2020, the United Kingdom had to brace itself for a deadly pandemic that at the time had no known antidote available. The BBC reported that 'more than 39 000 care home residents died with the virus (COVID19) between the 10th April 2020 and 31st March 2021'.1 The speed and the spread of the virus and the demand and sup- ply and demand of protective equipment (PPE) for staff put immense pressures on Care Homes across the UK. According to Curry (2021), concerns around finan- cial stability of care homes, with increased costs of PPE and staff sickness alongside lower occupancy rates cre- ated significant financial pressures. Faced with all these considerable pressures, how does an organisation keep alignment with its core val- ues whilst maintaining its competitiveness? The case study Anchor Hanover was formed in 2018 following a merger of the Anchor Trust and Hanover Housing Association. Anchor manage 54 000 homes mainly for people over 55 and including independent retirement living. It operates across 1700 sites and 85 per cent of local councils in England with over 9000 employees. Anchor has a clear vision - Anchor put housing and care at the top of their strategic agenda with a focus upon sustainability. The vision and ambition then align with four core values of being accountable, respectful, courageous and honest. Accountable means that 'We are positive about our work, each taking responsibility for doing a brilliant job and we focus on and celebrate our successes. We are personally accountable for our actions and keep our promises'. Respectful means that 'We care about people and show kindness, putting excellent customer service at the heart of what we do. We listen and encourage a variety of perspectives to be shared. We are inclusive and value everyone for who they are in helping us suc- ceed as an organisation'. Courageous is where 'We demonstrate courage to shape a better future by constantly seeking to move forward, improving, and innovating in our services to make a difference. We break down barriers and build connections through collaboration. We're pioneers in our services'. Honest, where 'We show integrity and demonstrate openness and transparency in everything we say and do. We are reliable, keep things simple and have hon- est conversations about what matters. Residents and colleagues trust us to keep to our word'. Anchor's financial standing is underlined by a very strong liquidity and an 'A+' financial rating, and a sta- ble financial outlook. In additional to Financial Planning and Control, Anchor operate a Sustainability Financial Framework which considers proceeds-based transactions (green, social and sustainability bonds and green and social bonds together with behaviour-based transactions, like sustainability linked loans). 

Questions

1. To what extent does Anchor focus on values driving their business?

2. What does this case study tell us about the People/ Organisation relationship?