Our story

Smart Works was launched in 2013 to help empower unemployed women with the clothes, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at their job interview and transform their lives.

We opened our first centre in Islington in 2013. Since then, we’ve grown to meet the need, opening 10 more centres across England and Scotland. Women are referred to us from job centres, refuges, the prison system, homeless shelters and mental health charities, among other organisations. We’re proud that we’ve supported more than 40,000 women to date, but we know there are thousands more that need our help.

In 2017, we were recognised as the Social Action Charity of the Year at the Charity Awards and in 2024 we became Google’s Charity of the Year.

Our mission

We exist to help women break the cycle of hardship that results from being unemployed. We help women transition into employment by providing high quality interview clothes and interview training, unlocking their confidence and self-belief.

The need for Smart Works has never been greater. The legacy of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on the women we exist to support. In the last year, 40% of our clients had been unemployed for over a year, and 12% had applied for over 100 jobs before coming to Smart Works. A significant proportion of our clients were single mothers and over half were from an ethnic minority.

We harness the power of clothing and coaching to unlock the confidence a woman needs to put her best foot forward at a crucial moment in her life, giving her the practical tools required to succeed at interview and transform her life.

Our impact

Over the past 10 years, we have helped over 35,000 women in 11 centres across the UK. We witness the tangible impact that our service has on a woman’s confidence every day across our centres.

It all begins when a client enters the dressing room and is attended to by our trained volunteers to find the perfect interview outfit. This is free of charge and hers to keep. Her self-belief and confidence begin to grow. She looks in the mirror and sees new possibilities for herself. This is followed by one-on-one interview coaching, after which 63% of our clients go on to get the job.

35,000

women supported into
secure employment

63%

of our clients go on to get the job within a month of their Smart Works appointment

94%

feel more confident in
themselves and their
prospects

Empowerment

“You helped me find my voice and instilled in me the ability to be confident in all that I do. I’m allowed to be me because of [Smart Works] and I will never forget that.”

– Kate

Self belief

“It is interesting how much the way we visibly present ourselves can make such a difference. I was able to reconnect with my old self, catching a glimpse of the person I used to be. Thank you for all [the team] do to make the lives of women so much more meaningful. I am living proof that your actions really do matter.”
‍
– Deborah

Hope for the future

“I remember very clearly how bleak life felt when I visited you 3 years ago, feeling hopeless, like no-one would give me a job because of my depression. The hours I spent with the women there – I will never forget them and have held Smart Works in my heart ever since.”

– Anonymous

Economic independence

“The career coaching and interview prep were invaluable and the make-up session was an added bonus. Although I am incredibly nervous about starting (next week!), it is such a relief to have an income again and that is in no small way down to Smart Works.

– Becky

Financial security

“Thank you so much for all your help, with my clothing and my confidence. It’s really good being financially independent again and I have been able to put an offer on a rental flat for my children and me.”

– Susannah

Happiness

“I never buy myself anything as my children come first and what’s left which isn’t much goes on shopping or essentials. I was so blown away by the outfit, shoes, bag, makeup and coat – it felt like Christmas had come early. I am so grateful for the help your charity gives to people who are desperate to get back into work. The difference you make is incredible.”

– Diane

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