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

Sophie Milliken

As CEO at Moja Group, Sophie is a multi award-winning businesswoman, two-time bestselling author, podcaster, and proud mum. Sophie also enjoys championing the Northeast region and is co-founder of City Ladies Networking, supporter of Northern Power Women and our Chair at Smart Works Newcastle. Sophie was awarded an MBE for services to Business and to Education in 2022.

"As Chair of the Board at Smart Works Newcastle, my role provides strategic direction and oversight to the charity, ensuring we achieve our mission of supporting unemployed women in the North East. This includes governance, strategic planning, advocacy and representation and supporting the centre manager. It’s a role that combines governance, strategic thinking, and community engagement, aimed at driving the success and sustainability of the charity’s mission. Before joining the charity, I'd already identified this as my dream voluntary role. Supporting women, particularly those coming from challenging situations is something I can relate to as a single parent and I'm so proud to be able to contribute my time and expertise to have an impact in our region."

Treasurer, Risk and Governance

Lisa Bell

Lisa Bell is a senior professional with extensive experience with governance, risk management and control. She brings knowledge and insights relating to finance, operations, data and ESG to improve effectiveness, efficiency and safety. She is a purposeful leader with a passion for helping others and is delighted and honoured to be included in the Smart Works Newcastle family.

Treasurer, Risk and Governance

Lisa Bell

Sarah Lamb

"I'm immensely proud to be the Young Woman's Trustee as I am a real advocate for young women living across Newcastle and the Northeast. It's a real privilege to be working with an amazing team who empower and equip women with the tools they need to succeed. I’m passionate about social mobility and have a ‘duty of care’ ethos which is at the heart of everything I do and can't wait to see what we will achieve in supporting our younger clients."

Maxine Fox

"It is a genuine privilege to work with the Smart Works Newcastle team to spread the word of the work of the centre to my professional network. The work that the team at Smart Works Newcastle delivers is making a real and life-changing impact on women within our region. It cannot be underestimated how vital the service is and how it remains to this day, to be a service that is still needed. As a collective we work tirelessly to deliver an impact and it is a genuine honour to be associated with the Smart Works."

Carol Meredith

Lisa Graveling

"I can remember my first ever interview, and the crisp white shirt I wore. Clothing gave me confidence then and it’s a pleasure to use my 20 years experience in commercial and not for profit marketing and communications to support the amazing team at Smart Works Newcastle."

Nicola Hands

Poppy Carroll

"As a Shadow Trustee for Smart Works Newcastle, I’m proud to champion a charity that transforms women’s lives by unlocking their confidence and potential, helping them step into the workforce with strength and self-belief."

Georgina Thornton-Brown

"I feel honoured to be a part of Smart Works Newcastle and the wonderful things they do. I was interested in the role of Shadow Trustee as I am a firm believer in the positive effects that women’s empowerment and self-confidence can have. I would love everyone to experience that, and I’m excited to see how my efforts can help work towards that."

Julie Cuthbertson

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, Risk and Governance

Treasurer, Risk and Governance

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, Risk and Governance

Treasurer, Risk and Governance

Support our mission

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