Supporting women into work with Smart Works

Currently, more than a quarter of working-age women in West Yorkshire are economically inactive. Rates are higher in areas such as Bradford, Harehills, Leeds and Seacroft, which are also some of the most deprived in England. Smart Works helps these women gain the confidence they need to secure work and transform their lives, by preparing women for job interviews with one-to-one career coaching and business outfits.

To help even more women, Smart Works needed a new team member dedicated to connecting with individuals in the Leeds area. The nBS Foundation provided funding to employ a previous client as an Outreach Assistant and continue its activities across the city. 

Since the team received the funding, it has supported more than 700 women, including around 350 in Leeds. 

“We know that without the outreach work we wouldn't have seen a lot of these women, so the impact is very tangible. These are real people’s lives that have been changed because they’ve been on their Smart Works journey.”

Lottie Roberts, Outreach and Communications Manager for Smart Works Leeds

Fran, the new Outreach Assistant, said:

“Coming to Smart Works as a client changed my life forever. I can tell my story with honesty and integrity, helping women to feel more confident in our service, so that we can empower them to get a job and transform their lives.” 

Catherine Turner from the nBS Foundation Panel added:

“We chose to support Smart Works because they’re really breaking down barriers that some women face in finding employment. It’s about building their confidence and empowering women to take those first steps towards employment.”