For Clients

Coaching, Clothing, Confidence

We are a Bristol based charity, providing Coaching, Clothing & Confidence for the disadvantaged women of Bristol who are seeking employment

The women who come to Smart Works are

often isolated and need help to secure a job
referred from our partners: Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, care services and youth organisations
at high risk of economic hardship, often struggling with confidence and self-belief in the face of repeated rejection and real barriers to employment
Feeling low – they have often applied for over 40 jobs with no success and over half of our clients are from ethnic minorities and around 30% are lone mothers
…. Often successful! 68% of our clients succeed at their interview

It costs £300 to put a woman through our service – a small amount to pay to transform a woman’s life

How our service works

At the heart of Smart Works Bristol sits an Interview preparation and dressing service designed to help our clients feel and look their best in their job interview.

Our dedicated, volunteer-powered team is on hand to help clients feel relaxed, confident and ready to get the job!

How To Get Referred

01. Referral

Smart Works Bristol operates on a referral basis. Our clients are referred to us from job centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, care service and youth organisations.

02. Interview preparation (Coaching)

Each client receives a one-to-one 60-minute coaching session with an expert interview coach, receiving valuable interview preparation, unlocking her potential and enabling her to succeed at interview. Each client also receives a free interview guide to take home where she can find additional advice on how to succeed.

03. Interview preparation (Dressing)

Each client receives a bespoke, hour-long dressing consultation with two trained volunteers, to find a high-quality interview outfit that will fill her with confidence. This is free of charge, and the clothes are hers to keep.

04. Second dressing

We are proud that 68% of clients secure a job in a month. Once a woman gets the job, she is welcomed back for a second dressing and receives a capsule working wardrobe to last until her first pay cheque.

Our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy

Our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is the framework for how we will nurture a culture of diversity and inclusivity, woven into the fabric of our organisation – which is the promise that Smart Works Bristol will always be approachable and inclusive, empowering others to thrive and fulfil their potential. Born out of conversations with our community, it is our commitment to removing any barriers and behaviours that prevent us from being truly diverse and inclusive.

Read our EDI strategy

What we do

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