One Minute with Smart Works’ Jan Iceton
In the next of our 60 second interviews, we are delighted to have caught up with Jan Iceton, Chair of charity, Smart Works Greater Manchester.
Since opening their doors in June 2015, Smart Works GM have successfully supported over 2750 women in and around the Stockport borough and Greater Manchester, to providing them with the clothes and confidence they need to go out and secure employment. Winners of the ‘Best Not-for-Profit’ award at the Stockport Business Awards in 2019, Jan was delighted to hear Smart Works had been chosen to be one of this year’s Stockport Business Award’s Charity Partners.
What attracted you to Smart Works?
It was one of our long-standing volunteer Stylists, who is also a friend of mine, who sent me the job spec when the position of Chair became vacant. She summed it up brilliantly persuading me that it was the perfect combination of things I have always enjoyed – helping other women … and clothes!
You must be very proud of Smart Works GM’s achievements in supporting women back into work. The past 18 months must have been an enormous challenge for you, how did you keep going?
We felt it was our duty to work our different ways of reaching those women who needed our services, perhaps more than ever, so we did what everyone had to do, we adapted. We created online coaching and virtual styling with a fast and effective “pack and post” sending clothes out to women ahead of their interviews, even if that was an online interview. It worked so well we have decided to continue the virtual service alongside our in-person service so we can reach women perhaps women living in parts of Greater Manchester that are further away from our centre or for who travelling is still a concern.
What’s the best part of your job?
Seeing a client come out of her First Dressing where she has been styled in a fab outfit and received her 121 coaching and just witnessing the confidence and self-esteem she has gained in 2 hours with us. And working with our staff team who are so effective, hard-working and just lovely.
How can the people of Stockport support the work you do?
Be aware that any unemployed woman, whatever her age or circumstances, can be referred to us and share this knowledge across your community. And follow us on social media to help spread awareness.
Who supplies you with the fabulous clothes your ladies are given?
It’s a mix of retailer donated new stock from brand such as Hobbs, M&S, Burberry, John Lewis and personal donations from supporters who love the work that we do. We can only accept high quality work wear, nothing with a stain, mark or rip, as we want our clients to be interview-ready and feel the best they possibly could feel in the clothes they take with them. We also have an exciting new relationship with Dancing Leopard who provide clothing to support our Fashion Your Own Future campaign to reach younger women ages 17-25).
Smart Works GM’s office is in St Peter’s Square in the centre of Stockport. What do you most associate with Stockport?
Friendliness and a real sense of community, the third sector is vibrant in Stockport.
If somebody was visiting Stockport for the weekend, what would you recommend they do?
Visit the Produce Hall, explore Agapanthus antique emporium and hang out for lunch or a coffee in Heaton Moor.
How many bricks do you think there are in Stockport Viaduct?
Sounds mad but 10 million maybe?
