You can now make a referral to Smart Works using an online form

Making a referral is simple and hassle-free. With our new online form, referring to Smart Works is now quicker than ever, taking only a few minutes to complete.

Within one working day, Smart Works will reach out to the woman you have referred, ensuring that she receives the necessary support at a crucial time.

Make a referral

Yesterday, we hosted a Partnership Breakfast Event, where we welcomed over 40 corporate and retail partners into our Smart Works centre in Holyoake House, to explore how local companies can work with us to transform the lives of women across the city region.

We were delighted to hear from Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham who spoke about the continued development of the city region and Rose Marley , CEO of Co-operatives UK who spoke about raising aspiration for young people in Manchester.

A huge thank you to Sarah Welsh, CEO Retail at N Brown Group for highlighting the importance of our partnership in instilling women with confidence on their journey into work, as well as how our bespoke partnerships can create lasting change in the lives of our clients. We also spoke about our partnership with AJ Bell Future Foundation and what this means to us and our clients.

Huge thank you to everyone who joined us and for our volunteers from Bureau Veritas Group who supported with the smooth running of the day.

October 20, 2023

We’re hiring – Fundraising and Partnerships Manager (now closed)

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November 3, 2023

We have now delivered 5,000 appointments delivered since 2015!

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We’re hiring! The Fundraising and Partnerships Manager will have responsibility for all aspects of fundraising including corporate and grants. They will work with the Chair, Treasurer and the Head of Smart Works Greater Manchester on the design and delivery of the annual fundraising strategy and quarterly activity plan, with a clear purpose of ensuring our long-term sustainability.

Therefore, we are looking for an energetic, creative and forward-thinking individual to join our dynamic team and ensure the long-term future of Smart Works in Greater Manchester. The role requires a self-starting and proactive approach, excellent communication and networking skills and experience in generating income.

If you’re passionate about supporting women, then this is an ideal opportunity for you.

The role would be based at our Smart Works centre in Manchester city. There may be occasional evening and weekend work as the successful candidate will be part of the wider centre team, supporting with networking and key events support.

Smart Works Greater Manchester is part of Smart Works Charity, with Smart Works centres across the UK. There will therefore be some travel and liaison with local centres across the UK and in London, to support induction and training, as well as the day-to-day role.

Click here for the full job description and how to apply.

October 16, 2023

Smart Works is shortlisted for Deutsche Bank’s UK Charity of the year

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November 2, 2023

Partnership Breakfast event with Andy Burnham

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Vote Smart Works for Deutsche Bank’s UK Charity of the Year and transform a woman’s life.

Smart Works has been shortlisted for Deutsche Bank‘s UK Charity of the year; an incredible opportunity that will help us make a significant impact in transforming the lives of women across the UK.

A vote for Smart Works means we can:
1. Double the number of women we help.
2. Expand from 11 to 14 centres.
3. Invest in digital transformation to increase efficiency and capacity.
4. Create systemic change, removing barriers to employment.

Whether you work at Deutsche Bank or not, you can still make a difference.
* Vote for Smart Works if you work at Deutsche Bank: https://lnkd.in/e86atxHR
* Share this link with a Deutsche Bank colleague: https://lnkd.in/eyFh-xAf
* Email helen.nelson@smartworks.org.uk to introduce us to a Deutsche Bank colleague.
* Like, comment and reshare this post

A vote for Smart Works is a vote for economic empowerment and for making a positive impact of change for women at a time when employment has never been more important, nor the Smart Works service more needed.

Together, we can make a positive impact and help 50,000 women across the UK by 2025.

October 10, 2023

Fashion & Fizz is back this November – tickets available now!

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October 20, 2023

We’re hiring – Fundraising and Partnerships Manager (now closed)

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Join us for our annual Fashion & Fizz event this November in the luxurious setting of Cheshire’s Mottram Hall.

Guests will enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival before we kick off our panel of inspirational women, lead by Smart Works Greater Manchester Ambassador and Presenter, Michelle Ackerley. We will be joined by Business woman and luxury fashion designer Nadine Merabi, who will be talking about how confidence is at the forefront of all her fashion pieces, and how she turned her one-of-a-kind designs into a Multi Million Dollar success. More speakers to be announced, so watch this space!

As always, there will be a fabulous designer sale rail for you to shop, with brand new stock from our supporters (to be announced soon!), as well as a raffle and a chance to mingle and get in the festive spirit.

All funds raised go directly back to Smart Works Greater Manchester services, supporting unemployed women into employment. Tickets are available to buy here!

  • 6pm – 6.30pm: Arrival. Welcome drinks, canapes and networking.
  • 6.30pm: Welcome from Jan Iceton – Smart Works Greater Manchester Chair.
  • 6.40pm – 7.40pm: Interview with our VIP Guest Nadine Merabi, hosted by Presenter and TV host Michelle Ackerley (with more speakers to be announced).
  • 7.40pm: Closing from Victoria Cronquist – Head of Smart Works Greater Manchester.
  • 7.45pm – 8.30pm: Shop the designer sale rail.
  • 8.30pm: Event ends.
September 27, 2023

Success at the Smart Works Fashion sale!

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October 16, 2023

Smart Works is shortlisted for Deutsche Bank’s UK Charity of the year

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Our second time back at the pop-up shop was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who shopped and supported, we had the most fabulous 3 days and raised an incredible amount of funds, enabling us to continue the transformative work we do.

September 14, 2023

Over 160 jobseekers attend our Women into Work Jobs Fair

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October 10, 2023

Fashion & Fizz is back this November – tickets available now!

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We held our Women Into Work jobs fair recently in Manchester Central Library which was a HUGE success! with over 160 attendees, there was a real buzz in the room, and we’ve already had some wonderful feedback from attendees and employers.

We’re excited to announce our next upcoming Women Into Work jobs fair in Stockport, on Tuesday 10th October. This will take place in Stockport Central Library with local employers who have live vacancies there to meet women who are job-seeking.

Employers we were joined by:

Huge thank you to Novanta for generously sponsoring these events and enabling us to reach and support more women across Greater Manchester on their journey into employment.

Please help us to spread the word, if you know any unemployed women in and around Stockport who would like to come to this event and network with employers.

Attendees can register their place via our Eventbrite link here.

If you’re interested in attending as a stall-holder, please contact cara.mahon@smartworks.org.uk

August 9, 2023

We’re hiring – Fundraising Events Trustee

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September 27, 2023

Success at the Smart Works Fashion sale!

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A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Greater Manchester Board of Trustees.

 The Fundraising Events Trustee will lead in the development of 4 key events per annum including Fashion and Fizz events and Inspiring Tales events which spread awareness of our purpose across Greater Manchester, and raise valuable funds for the charity through ticket sales, auctions, and fashion sales.

You will work closely with the experienced Wardrobe Trustee who will curate stock for sales, and other trustees to secure suitable auction prizes.

There will be a requirement to lead the Events Sub Committee with meetings (virtual and in person) taking place every three months, and to attend Board meetings taking place every quarter. The average time commitment is two days per month, but more in the run up to and during the four events that the successful candidate will lead throughout the year.

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.  Click here to apply. This is a voluntary role.

August 3, 2023

The Smart Works Fashion Sale is back this September!

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September 14, 2023

Over 160 jobseekers attend our Women into Work Jobs Fair

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Ready to refresh your wardrobe? (Sustainably of course!). The Smart Works Fashion Sale is back and better than ever! We’re delighted to announce we will be returning for more shopping fun this September at The Pop Up in Stockport Merseyway. At Smart Works, we use fashion as a force for good, and not only is this sustainable, guilt-free shopping at its best, but an opportunity to support our mission to help more unemployed women get the job and transform their lives.⁣⁣
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We’re back with fresh new stock, including designer pieces all at incredible prices (up to 70% off!) as well as a whole host of high-street pieces.⁣⁣
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You will find us at The Pop Up on:⁣⁣
– Thursday 14th September 10-4⁣⁣
– Friday 15th September 10-4⁣⁣
– Saturday 16th September 9-4⁣⁣

July 1, 2023

In conversation with Coggles and our Chair Jan Iceton

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August 9, 2023

We’re hiring – Fundraising Events Trustee

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We recently celebrated our 8th birthday with a fabulous Fashion & Fizz event in the heart of Manchester and our supporters at Coggles spoke with our Chair Jan about all things Smart Works GM. Read all about it in their latest blog post here.

June 12, 2023

Fashion & Fizz – Celebrate our 8th Birthday with us! Tickets available now

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August 3, 2023

The Smart Works Fashion Sale is back this September!

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Celebrate Smart Works Greater Manchester 8th birthday in style this year! Over the last 8 years Smart Works Greater Manchester has helped transform the lives of thousands of women, over 4,000 appointments have been delivered, supporting more than 3,500 individual women, with 69% succeeding at job interview.⁣
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In celebration of this, we’re thrilled to be joined by our newest Smart Works Greater Manchester Ambassador, VIP guest Lydia Tomlinson, digital creator and fashion influencer with over 1.4 million followers for an evening of style and confidence and a chance to shop our designer sale rail at Bauhaus on Quay Street in the heart of Manchester. Guests will also enjoy a welcome glass of fizz and nibbles on arrival.⁣
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📆 Date: Thursday 29th June ⁣
📍 Venue: Bold Bauhaus, 27 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 4AW⁣
⏰ Time: Arrival from 5:30pm⁣
🎟️ Tickets: £25, includes welcome fizz & nibbles, buy tickets here ⁣

All funds raised go directly back to SWGM services and enables us to continue to transform women’s lives and help them to realise their potential – thank you 💙

May 9, 2023

Our second centre is officially open!

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July 1, 2023

In conversation with Coggles and our Chair Jan Iceton

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