Smart Works is a UK charity dedicated to empowering women with the confidence, tools, and support needed to succeed in the workplace.
By providing professional interview coaching and high-quality workwear, Smart Works equips unemployed women with the skills and confidence to excel in job interviews. With a network of 11 centres in cities across the UK, Smart Works has supported over 40,000 women since its launch in 2013. Many of these women face significant barriers to work including long-term unemployment, low confidence or caring responsibilities. An impressive 66% of clients go on to get a job within a month of using the service.
The charity supports women aged 16 and over who are unemployed or on zero-hour contracts, offering them access to a curated selection of high-quality clothing from leading brands such as M&S, ASOS, COS and many more.
The Smart Works Service
Each client can receive:
- If a client needs help to secure an interview and take the next step toward
employment, they can have a dedicated hour of tailored career coaching to support
their unique needs. - A high-quality outfit for her job interview, free of charge and hers to keep followed by
a one-to-one coaching session with an experienced volunteer to prepare for her
interview. - If she’s got the job, she can return for further free clothing to help her start her job
with confidence!
Our results speak volumes:
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66% of women get a job within a month of seeing Smart Works
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97% felt more confident in their new interview outfit
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94% felt they could answer interview questions more effectively
The Smart Works Unemployment Index
The Smart Works Unemployment Index is our award-winning annual report examining the barriers women face when seeking work.
We look into the specific barriers that women face during their job search and interview process as well as the impact that having a job has on women.
The Smart Works Unemployment Index is designed to offer unique, data-driven insight based on empathetic in-depth conversations we have with our clients. The process of securing a job is increasingly complex but by researching and publishing data on the issues facing unemployed women, we can help pave the way for progress.
Smart Works Unemployment Index 2024
Partnership with Movement to Work
Together, Smart Works and Movement to Work form a partnership focused on breaking down barriers to employment. While Movement to Work creates access to quality work experience opportunities, Smart Works builds confidence and prepares individuals for success through coaching and professional clothing. By combining forces, we help young women not just access employment opportunities but walk into them confident to thrive!
Call to Action: Empowering Women into the Workforce
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Refer young women you are supporting to Smart Works who would benefit from our one-to-one coaching and interview preparation support.
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Partner with us to host or co-deliver employability workshops to build confidence and skills among women entering the job market.
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Promote Smart Works services across your networks to help us reach more women who could benefit.
Let’s work together.