Our Team

Alison Armstrong

Alison became the Chair Woman of Smart Works Birmingham in February 2024 after being a Trustee since December 2021. She brings a lifetime of experience having recently retired as a Director/Owner of ADP Architecture Ltd after 33 years as a Chartered Architect. She has a keen interest in education particularly for girls and is VC of the Governing Body for King Edwards VI Handsworth School for Girls and a Trustee on the Board of the King Edwards Academy Trust in Birmingham. Alison is a Trustee of Marudyan UK a small charity that provides basic education for BPL (below poverty line) children in India.

Alison is also a Director/Owner of the newly established craft brewery, Moonwake Beer Co in Edinburgh.

“Being involved with a charity that can genuinely transform women’s lives through the simplicity of it’s service is inspirational. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by everyone I have met is amazing.”

Smart Works Accountabilities:
1. Chair Woman for the board of Trustees
2. Line Management responsibilities
3. Leadership and Strategic Direction

Raynee De Zoysa

Raynee became the Vice-Chair of Smart Works Birmingham in February 2024.  Her professional journey has encompassed diverse roles in operations delivery, sales, and strategic growth across major contractors, including Galliford Try and Willmott Dixon and currently at Balfour Beatty.

Beyond the corporate landscape, Raynee is a board member for the Infrastructure Leadership Board of the Centre for the New Midlands not-for-profit, actively contributing to cross-sector collaboration. Their collective skills play a vital role in generating innovative ideas, fostering connections, and enhancing the overall well-being of the West Midlands region.

As an Alumni Nottingham University Campus Advisory Member, she offers valuable insights to shape the strategic development of the higher educational landscape. With a heart for community impact, her commitment extends further as a Member of the Board of Trustees for Prosper Multi Academy Trust in Solihull, where her strategic decisions contribute significantly to the future of primary education.

‘If I could capture the sheer joy experienced upon hearing a woman declare, ‘I got the job,’ it would be a potion worth sharing with the world. The ability to give someone the tools to transform their lives through employment is a catalyst for positive change.’

Smart Work Accountabilities:
1. Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees
2. Volunteer Management & Stewardship

Holly Rankin 

Holly is HR Director at Barclays UK, based in the Midlands, with previous experience including Lloyds Banking Group, Santander UK, Serco and Marconi. Holly graduated Holly graduated from De Montfort University in Strategic HRM, has specialised in outsourcing and Employee Relations and is a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD).  She is an advocate for Women in Business having previously spent time with the Women’s Business Council supporting older women back into the workplace and bringing menopause to life within the workplace showcasing challenges and bringing awareness.

“I am delighted to have joined the Smart Works team; I am dedicated to supporting women with their journey towards employment and empowerment”

Smart Works Accountabilities:
1. HR
2. People

Bernadette Coughlan

Bernie has worked within the retail sector for over 10 years, currently working as a clothing buyer within the industry (Sainsburys). She is passionate about empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their own style as well as an advocate for equal opportunities for women from all backgrounds. Bernie also has an interest in sustainable fashion and how pre-loved clothes can help support new opportunities for our clients.

Smart Works Accountabilities:
1. Wardrobe
2. Fundraising – Specifically clothes sales

Fay Ashwell

Fay is Executive Director, COO and Compliance Officer at Oxford University Endowment Management. She joined OUem in November 2007 and, prior to this, spent eight years at the Wellcome Trust.  She is also a Trustee at CABA. Fay is a Chartered Accountant with a passion for fashion and recently qualified as a fashion stylist with London College of Style in her spare time. She is a member of SW Fashion Club and a dressing volunteer.

“It is a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to supporting women rebuild their confidence through the power of clothes and coaching.”

Smart Works Accountabilities:
1. Financial Accounts
2.Wardrobe
3. Volunteering

Schnel Hanson

Schnel is a fully qualified Chartered HR Practitioner (MCIPD) and has a PGCE in post compulsory education. She worked as a freelance Consultant before founding her own business in 2015 ‘Developing the Inner You’, with the aim of facilitating training, coaching and positive transformation for further education, corporate and individual clients. Schnel was an Adult Learning and Governance Board Trustee for The Spires Centre from 2019-2022.  In her early career she held training positions at Barnet Council and Notting Hill Housing.

“I am proud to join the board as a trustee. My strategic role is to support and drive the charity focus on the responsibilities of safeguarding adults and to network with the local community”

Smart Works Accountabilities:
1. Safeguarding
2. Referral Partners