Our patrons and ambassadors

We are grateful to our Patrons, Honorary President, and Ambassadors who provide their support, advice and encouragement to raise awareness of Smart Works.

The Duchess of Sussex

In 2019 we were honoured to welcome The Duchess of Sussex to the
Smart Works community as our Patron. The Duchess’s work with Smart Works incorporates her desire to support women, and her commitment to helping those in need across the UK. Since 2019, The Duchess has helped shine a light on the vital work we do to support women across the UK. Find out about her work with the charity and our clients.

Our Honorary President

Lady Hughes-Hallett OBE

Juliet Hughes-Hallett OBE is the Honorary President of Smart Works Charity and was our Founding Chair from 2013 to 2021. After a career that started in the British Vogue fashion room Juliet went on to run her own successful business.

Fifteen years ago she became a dressing volunteer. It was to be a new and lasting passion. Out of this obsession Smart Works Charity was conceived, with the end goal of enabling every woman across the UK to access our service. Juliet is a regular dressing volunteer.

Our Honorary President

Lady Hughes-Hallett OBE

Our patrons

Betty Jackson CBE

Betty has led a distinguished career as one of the UK’s top fashion designers. Betty ran her own fashion business Betty Jackson Ltd for over 37 years, as well as launching the Autograph collection for Marks and Spencer in 2000 and Betty Jackson Black for Debenhams. In 2007, Betty’s achievement within British fashion was recognised with first a MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 1987 and later with a CBE for services to the fashion industry. Betty has also won numerous British and international design awards throughout career.

Jane Shepherdson CBE

Jane Shepherdson is a leading figure in fashion retail, having been CEO of Whistles and before that Brand Director at Topshop. She is also Creative Advisor to Oxfam and a patron of the Almeida Theatre in North London. She was awarded a CBE in 2006 for services to fashion retail. Jane is proud to be a regular dressing volunteer in North London and is passionate about Smart Works.

Emma Barnett

Emma Barnett is an award-winning broadcaster and journalist. By day she presents Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4 and by night, Newsnight on BBC Two.

She has been named speech broadcaster of the year by the Radio Academy and is known for her big hitting interviews with the key figures shaping our times – from Prime Ministers through to those who would very much like to be. She was a volunteer dresser with Smart Works for 10 years before becoming a Patron – a role she is incredibly proud to hold.

Jennifer Saunders

Jennifer is an actress, comedian, writer, producer and generally much-loved media star, best known for creating and starring in shows such as the Absolutely Fabulous, Comic Strip, French and Saunders, Jam and Jerusalem and many others. Younger fans are familiar with Jennifer as the voice of the evil fairy godmother in Shrek.

Our ambassadors

Sarah Davies MBE

Sara Davies MBE is an award-winning entrepreneur and BBC Dragons’ Den investor. Sara founded her crafting business, the Crafter’s Companion, 15 years ago. The craft business reported a turnover of 34 million last year, and the company employs more than 200 staff in the UK, US and Europe. She is the recipient of over 25 business awards and, in 2016, was recognised for services to the economy with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Smart Works family and honoured to represent the charity as an ambassador. Smart Works does a tremendous job of helping women gain confidence and realise their true potential. Their dressing and coaching service, and an additional network of support, are invaluable to the women who are trying to re-enter, or have newly entered, the world of work. I’m proud to play a part in helping women to achieve their employment aspirations by raising awareness of the incredible, life-changing services that Smart Works offers.”

Becky Langley

Becky Langley is the the Newcastle United Women’s football team manager. Becky became NUFCW's manager at the age of 28, during a very exciting time for North East women’s football as Newcastle United women’s team have made the historic move to club ownership. Having coached football since the age 14 whilst growing up in Yarm, Becky pursued her coaching career alongside studying Sports and Exercise Science degree at Loughborough University which she graduated from in 2016.

“I am thrilled to be joining Smart Works Newcastle as an Ambassador” said Becky. “Having learned about the amazing work that they do empowering women into work across the North East, I can’t wait to be more involved and use my role and profile to support and share the work they do.”

Who we are > Patrons and ambassadors

Who we are >
Patrons and ambassadors

Our patrons and ambassadors

We are grateful to our Patrons, Honorary President, and Ambassadors who provide their support, advice and encouragement to raise awareness of Smart Works.

Our Honorary President

Our Honorary President

Our patrons

Our ambassadors

Support our mission

Who we are > Patrons and ambassadors

Who we are > Patrons and ambassadors

Our patrons and ambassadors

We are grateful to our Patrons, Honorary President, and Ambassadors who provide their support, advice and encouragement to raise awareness of Smart Works.

Our Honorary President

Our Honorary President

Our patrons

Our ambassadors

Support our mission

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Who we are >
Patrons and ambassadors