Our board

Smart Works is governed by our Board of Trustees, who bring with them a wealth and depth of experience across a diverse range of industries.

We’re grateful for all the hard work and dedication of the members of our board. The work we do would not be possible without their guidance.

Chair

Julietta Dexter

Julietta Dexter was announced as the Chair of Smart Works in April 2021.

She was Founder & CEO of The Communications Store, one of the world’s leading strategic brand development and communications partners to the world’s best brands in fashion, wellness, beauty and lifestyle.

“The nationwide work that Smart Works does in dressing and coaching unemployed women for job success is extraordinary and extremely successful. The vital need for Smart Works’ work is hugely increased as so many women have suffered job losses during the pandemic. Clients referred to Smart Works are looked after, given the confidence they so urgently need and are given a wonderful moment to make sure they feel their very best to get out into the world, go for that interview and go back into the workplace.”

Philippa Charles OBE

With a career spanning both commercial and charitable sectors, Philippa is currently Director of the DFN Foundation and previously spent 16 years as Director of national grant-maker the Garfield Weston Foundation. In a voluntary capacity she has significant previous Board experience including youth employment charity ThinkForward and Social & Sustainable Capital which makes loans to not-for-profit organisations. She is currently a Trustee of the Barratt Foundation.

“I’m passionate about supporting women to succeed. Smart Works is full of amazing people – the clients, patrons, volunteers and staff – and I’m keen to do my best for them.”

Rachel Atkins

Partner at Schillings and a leading lawyer in her field, Rachel advises on all issues relating to reputation and privacy protection. For the last 30 years, she has worked with successful entrepreneurs and families, helping them build their business empires and reputations while protecting their right to privacy.

“The concept behind Smart Works is simple and brilliant. I feel privileged to work with the experts on the Smart Works team and am excited to help more women find the confidence they need to maximise their potential.”

Sim Scavazza

Sim is Acting Chair for the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire West NHS Integrated Care Board, and also a Non-Executive Director for two NHS Acute Trusts, where she chairs the People Committee and the North West London EDI steering group. She started advocating for sustainability in fashion in 2006 when appointed to the Board of Adili, and contributed to the establishment of the Centre for Sustainability, London College of Fashion.

“I am thrilled to become a Trustee for Smart Works where I can’t wait to contribute to the growth and continued success of this life-changing charity.”

Jane Shepherdson

Jane Shepherdson is a leading figure in fashion retail, having been CEO of Whistles and before that Brand Director at Topshop. She is also Creative Advisor to Oxfam and a patron of the Almeida Theatre in North London. She was awarded a CBE in 2006 for services to fashion retail. Jane is proud to be a regular dressing volunteer in North London and is passionate about Smart Works.

“There are many things I love about Smart Works but the main one is the moment that I dress someone and help them to get the confidence and nail that job.”

Shen Chen

Shen has 20 years of finance and banking experience where she is currently a Managing Director at Bank of America, Corporate and Investment Banking. Shen brings her international work experience, enthusiasm, professional network, passion for DE&I and dedication for community engagement.

“It’s come full circle for me as I started with Smart Works on a volunteer basis to organise bespoke events and clothing drives. Thus I’m delighted to join at a time when the organisation is embarking on its next stage of growth. It is even more critical now we ensure the services are able to delivered throughout the UK and Scotland.”

Sophie Hedley

Sophie is Founder of Sophie Hedley Consultancy, which specialises in communications and brand strategy for luxury, culture, and philanthropic organisations. With a career spanning Vogue, Giorgio Armani, Selfridges, and the Rothschild Foundation, Sophie brings deep expertise in global PR and brand growth.

"Joining Smart Works as a trustee is an honour. The power of appearance is more than skin deep, its ability to ignite confidence, open doors, and help women see their inner strength is transformational. Offering opportunity and dignity in a safe space to get women working and feeling proud of themselves is a privilege and I relish getting more closely involved."

Ruth Redding

An experienced coach and consultant with a background in senior sales leadership in the tech sector. Former Vice President of Sales for North and Central Europe at Infinera, Ruth now helps senior executives and teams improve performance, drive change, and achieve growth.

"The work that Smart Works does is empowering and vital to support women into work when they are in great need. Through dressing and coaching, Smart Works gives women the confidence and the ability to secure a job, and their future. I'm passionate about supporting the charity to scale in order to help even more women into work."

Juliet Brown

A Partner in a leading executive search firm, Juliet specialises in senior leadership appointments across civil society. An accredited executive coach, she supports leaders through transition and development. Juliet has also worked in income generating roles within the not for profit sector and has a strong trusted network.

“I have admired Smart Works for many years. The way the charity helps women build confidence and supports them into employment speaks deeply to my own values and experiences. I’ve seen first-hand how the right support can transform someone’s future and being part of a mission that lifts women up at such a critical moment is a real privilege. I’m excited to be involved in its next chapter.”

Who we are > Our board

Our board

Smart Works is governed by our Board of Trustees, who bring with them a wealth and depth of experience across a diverse range of industries.

Chair

Support our mission

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get access to inspiring stories from our service, exclusive offers from our retail partners and invites to our iconic events. See how you can be part of the change.