People & Planet
Supporting Smart Works Charity on International Women’s Day, And Every Day
13 May 2024
Two years. You can do a lot in that time, like launch eight new season collections and celebrate a big 25th birthday. You could also donate over 1000 bags to charity – something we’ve achieved as an official Wardrobe Partner for Smart Works – the charity that gives unemployed women the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.
When we first partnered with Smart Works, CEO Kate Stephens said:
“We couldn’t deliver our service without the wonderful support from our Wardrobe Partners. Radley is the perfect fit for Smart Works, with such a wonderful selection of beautifully designed bags (big enough for a CV or even that pair of heels to slip on before the interview), and an ethos that supports the mantra of looking and feeling great about who you are and what you can achieve.”
Now, we’re so excited to be entering our third year together. There’s so much more to come as we continue to support the charity, but before we look forwards, we want to celebrate all that we’ve already achieved together.
How we support Smart Works Charity as an official Wardrobe Partner
We have so much in common
Smart Works exists to empower women, to make them feel their best and give them the confidence they need. It’s how we want our customers to feel too, every time they carry a Radley on their arm.
Going beyond style
Through interview coaching sessions and dressing consultations, Smart Works helps prepare their clients to enter the workforce. As part of this, every woman is given a full interview outfit – complete with the perfect bag. That’s where we come in. When we first partnered with Smart Works, we pledged to donate over 500 handbags a year and we’re so proud to say we’ve hit this target.
But we’re donating more than just handbags.
In their Unemployment Index 2023, Smart Works reported that 95% of their clients felt more confident after receiving their interview outfit and bag. Because these aren’t just accessories, they’re styles that have the power to encourage positive change. They’re Bags of Confidence.
“We harness the power of clothes and confidence to empower women to reconnect with their potential and change the course of their lives.” – Kate Stephens, Smart Works CEO
Bags of Confidence
To kick start our third year as an official Wardrobe Partner, we’re launching the Bags of Confidence campaign, a new initiative to generate even more support for the charity. First on the agenda: we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by matching the number of bags sold on the day with a handbag donation to the charity. That’s on top of our existing commitment. And that’s just the start.
Recently, members of Team Radley, attending the launch event for the Smart Works Unemployment Index 2024, heard from some of the charity’s clients about their experiences.
We spoke to Head of Marketing Louise about the event.
“Attending this event was a special way to kick off our third year as an official Wardrobe Partner. Hearing from Smart Works clients about how the charity had helped them was really moving and we’re so proud to have been a little part of that impact. This year, we’re so excited to run our Bags of Confidence campaign, which will generate even more support for the charity. It’s just the start of what’s still to come from our partnership.”
Keep an eye on Radley Stories to hear more about our Bags of Confidence campaign and how you can get involved in supporting Smart Works.
Smart Works Charity, Charity No: 1080609
