Muckle outfits Smart Works charity with office ready fashion
We're proud to have partnered with our neighbouring organisations here at Time Central to collect and donate over 30 bags of office wear to Smart Works Newcastle, the charity that supports North East women into employment with work-appropriate clothing and coaching.
Working with neighbours at our city-centre base Mott MacDonald, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Turner & Townsend, the Muckle team dug deep to donate high-quality clothing, shoes and accessories for redistribution by the confidence-boosting service.
Andrea Gibson, Muckle's business development director, has long been involved with Smart Works having previously arranged clothing drives and co-ordinated volunteering opportunities for the wider team.
She said: “We’re always delighted to collect clothes for the women using Smart Works and this time, we pooled resources with businesses across our Gallowgate location to collect even more than usual. We collected 30 bags of donations.
“The Muckle team always donates generously in the name of social responsibility and sustainable living. Caring about our community is one of our four core values and giving back is a constant focus for us all.”
Rebecca Shadlock is Mott MacDonald’s technical director for environment and sustainability, and she organised the joint effort. She says: “It’s a pleasure to support Smart Works Newcastle and the clothing drive was an easy initiative to organise.
“It made perfect sense to ask our neighbours in Time Central, and thankfully everyone was in full support. Smart Works’ ‘SHE GOT THE JOB’ posts on LinkedIn make me smile every time and the purpose of the charity warms my heart.
“Why shouldn’t every woman be enabled to attain a job and enjoy the associated benefits that come from employment? I look forward to continuing to support the charity and empowering women.”
In the past, Muckle employees have collected clothing and used their volunteering days to volunteer at Smart Works pop-up events. As part of the firm’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, everyone is encouraged to take two leave days every year to volunteer at local charities.
Solicitor Gillian Scribbins and PA Hayley Dale volunteered at the Smart Works fashion sale in The Place to Eat in John Lewis, Eldon Square on 17 December, helping to merchandise donations ready for purchase by savvy shoppers, with proceeds going directly to Smart Works.
Gillian said: “Smart Works is a great cause that I was delighted to be able to get involved with. They organise these one-off sales of donated fashion across the UK to raise funds for the charity, which help women look and feel good as they prepare for job interviews.”
Dedicated to helping women into employment by providing clothing and coaching, Smart Works’ aim is to empower people with the self-belief and practical tools that can help them succeed at interviews.
The charity counts television personalities and North East natives Sara Davies MBE and Steph McGovern among its supporters, who have both donated their time and clothing.
For more information about getting involved or to make a donation to Smart Works, visit their website.
To learn more about Muckle LLP’s enivronmental, social and governance commitments, visit our ESG page or read our 2022 ESG review.