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

Helen Francis

Helen became Smart Works Reading’s Chair in July 2022 after having been a volunteer dresser and coach at the Reading Centre for nearly four years. Helen also has over 25 years of experience leading Global Professional Services teams. She has specialised in creating and developing teams to address specialist delivery needs worldwide. Having a successful track record in delivering large-scale programmes to external clients, she is looking forward to implementing this knowledge to help reach more women across the Berkshire area.

"I am immensely proud to be a member of the team at Smart Works Reading. Our mission to assist women in re-entering the workforce is genuinely uplifting. Observing a client gain self-belief and witnessing the emergence of hope and possibilities consistently fills me with genuine excitement for where her life will now take her and those that she supports."

Treasurer

Melanie Prater

Melanie has been a volunteer at Smart Works Reading for over four years as Wardrobe Volunteer and Dresser. She is Finance Director of a Renewable Energy business, and is a Chartered Accountant, having over 30 years of experience across various industries and sectors, both corporate and charitable. She has seen firsthand, as a dresser volunteer, the positive impact of the Smart Work service in boosting the confidence of women and is committed to continuing this impact.

"My passion lies in helping women regain their confidence and return to work. Having served as a wardrobe volunteer, dresser, and now as Treasurer, I'm focused on building strong financial foundations to help us reach even more women. Being part of Smart Works Reading is incredibly rewarding – we have such a wonderful team of volunteers, trustees and staff."

Honorary Treasurer

Ewa Kerin

Ewa is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants and has held a number of senior positions within the Financial Services industry for over 25 years at JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Willis Towers Watson and HSBC.

“I wanted to work with a team that all shared the same passion for helping women be successful and feel good about themselves, so am incredibly fortunate to have joined the committed and talented team that is Smart Works.”

Patsy Dhir

"I am very proud to be a Trustee and part of the amazing team at Smart Works Reading. We should never underestimate the power of confidence and to help give the ability to shine bright. The offering of our dressing service and interview coaching allows our clients to do just that! It’s a privilege to play a small part to help women change the trajectory of their lives and others around them."

Patsy has over 15 years of experience and a passionate interest in the fashion industry. She is a professionally qualified personal stylist and colour expect having featured as a TV presenter on the style channel.

Rachel Bradley

My passion is spreading the word about our life-changing work – being the charity's cheerleader and ensuring every woman can find her way to our door. The magic in our centre is undeniable! The positive energy from our team is infectious, and seeing clients walk out with renewed confidence is truly inspiring

Rachel has over 25 years of experience in PR and communications, working both in-house and in agency, for brands including L’Oreal, Wella, Drambuie, Persil and Johnson & Johnson. She also teaches a digital skills bootcamp course which is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, to help everyone gain skills for life. She has been volunteering at Smart Works Reading since 2017.

Padma Knowles

"Life can happen to anyone" and being a part of the SWR team reminds me of this constantly. When life does happen, SWR exists to help women find confidence, self - worth and hope again. I'm passionate about helping women within our diverse community to get the help and support they really need in some of their toughest moments."

Padma Knowles has been a career coach at Smart Works Reading for over 4 years. She has over 20 years of experience in recruitment and founded Career Success by Design. Having worked with a variety of companies, from start-ups to large corporates, she has gained huge insight into what employers and recruiters look for. She has actively participated in companies that prioritize EDI in their processes

Alex Williams

"Being a trustee at Smart Works Reading is one of the best things I've done professionally. I’ve been so lucky in my career to have the support of amazing women and Smart Works is an opportunity for me to pay that forward."

Alex has over 25 years of experience helping big brand names tackle a host of communications challenges. A former managing director at a leading communications agency, she’s worked across retail, telecoms, technology and travel sectors, overseeing both European and global programmes.

Sarah Terry

"It's such a privilege to be part of the team at Smart Works Reading. Watching women who come to the centre and witnessing their confidence transform before your eyes, in a matter of hours, is a feeling I will never tire of. Knowing that a significant percent of them go on to get a job and achieve their potential enforces the importance of the work we do."

Sarah Terry has a background in the technology Sales sector – in senior leadership and consulting roles. Since 2018 Sarah has qualified as an executive and team coach to help support her consulting work. She is passionate about positive transformation for individuals and organisations which drew her to supporting Smart Works Reading as a trustee.

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

Treasurer

Honorary Treasurer

Support our mission

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

Treasurer

Honorary Treasurer

Support our mission

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