Help us expand the Smart Works service into Bradford
We want to offer the Smart Works service to any woman who needs us in Bradford.
Bradford is in the top five local authorities for having the highest number of economically inactive women seeking work. The data shows that there are over 8,000 women in Bradford who could be accessing our service.
As we build our outreach efforts across the district over the next three years, we are committed to working with women in Bradford to build their confidence, supporting them to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.
Our project to reach communities in Bradford has been made possible thanks to funding provided by the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation
"So many people do not know that this service is available to them. You have to be bold and brave to attend an interview. So many women are very uncertain about how to go about searching for employment, knowing what to wear and how to answer questions. That’s why Smart Works is important."
Loretta, Smart Works client
The Bradford Report
The 2025 Smart Works Bradford Report provides an analysis of research conducted with 235 unemployed women across the Bradford district between January and July 2025. It also draws on the feedback of 28 of our Bradford referral partners.
The results provided us with some unique insights into what it is like to be an unemployed woman in Bradford today. It will inform the next steps we want to take regarding the Smart Works service in Bradford. One of our key findings was:
43% of women surveyed said that confidence was a main barrier to employment for them
96% of women supported by Smart Works in the last year reported a boost in confidence.
Based on our research, we have now embarked on a 3 year project to deliver the Smart Works service to women in Bradford. We have designed bespoke group workshops focussed on improving confidence, and gaining skills required to support successful job search. These workshops are available for groups of women across the city, and are already improving confidence.
It was a very reflective and enlightening session which highlighted aspects about me I had long forgotten. The leaders created a safe and trusting environment which supported an open circle of trust" (Client feedback during pilot phase of workshop delivery)
We also now have increased capacity to attend events, and deliver presentations to staff and clients.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more about Smart Works’ expansion into Bradford, please drop us an email at bradford@smartworks.org.uk or ring 0113 234 6503.
• Lottie Roberts, Project Manager • Maria Gribenyuk, Outreach Lead • Hafsa Salman, Client Services and Outreach Coordinator • Hannah Treharne, Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator
Client stories
Rana's story
Rana came to Smart Works after being made redundant. Over the course of 6 months, she applied for over 50 jobs. As the gruelling job search process wore on, Rana’s main barrier became a lack of confidence, with self doubt creeping in.
It was a huge moment when Rana secured a job interview. After meeting Rana at a jobs fair, we were delighted to support her during her preparation for this opportunity. Rana said “It is easy to let unemployment impact your confidence.
After redundancy I felt lost, hurt, flat and full of self doubt. Smart Works made me feel empowered and ready. It was amazing to meet someone who truly understood my value and skillset, as well as my style, and encouraged me to be me. The coaching session changed my mindset and challenged my negative thoughts. It was life changing. I am confident, I stand taller and I know my worth. It is wonderful to have complete strangers in your corner. Smart Works was such an uplifting experience from start to finish. To be supported and championed by women has been truly heart warming.”
Rana was successful in securing a job as a Digital Content Designer. Work for her means structure to her day, security for her family, a sense of belonging and worth.
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