Headstar has partnered with Smart Works Leeds, part of UK employment charity, Smart Works. Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that exists to empower all women who need help getting into work. The charity’s service uses the power of high-quality clothing and one-to-one coaching to help unemployed women fulfil their potential, get the job and transform their lives.
Boosting self-belief at one of the most important stages of the job search makes a huge difference – 63% of Smart Works clients getting a job within one month of their appointment. As of March 2025, the charity has doubled in size to officially support over 10,000 women nationwide into employment each year.
A Shared Commitment to Supporting Women
For Headstar, the new partnership is a natural fit. Natalie McGregor, Commercial Director at Headstar, said, “Partnering with Smart Works makes complete sense for us. They are a great charity, and their values align closely with ours. As a recruitment consultancy, we understand how life-changing new jobs can be, and we’re fully behind anything that helps open more doors for women. We have seen first-hand the impact of gender representation and diversity in the workplace. At Headstar, 60% of our Board is female, and we have a growing number of female recruitment consultants on the team, plus we’re consistently placing more women into senior finance roles.”
Collaboration That Makes a Difference
Hannah Boyle, Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at Smart Works Leeds, said, “2025 is a massive year for Smart Works Leeds, and as we aim to support women across Yorkshire into work, we rely on the generosity of a wide range of corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and the support of an ever-growing volunteer network. We’re really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in partnership with Headstar this year.”
The partnership will develop over time, including support for Smart Works’ fundraising events, organising an annual clothing drive, and practical help with the charity’s upcoming office move as it prepares to double its Leeds premises.
Interested in getting involved?
You can learn more about Smart Works Leeds and ways to support the charity here: https://leeds.smartworks.org.uk.
