What does your work involve? I work with three high schools across Edinburgh for The Friends of the Award in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

My role involves delivering The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme to pupils on an alternative curriculum. I work closely with teachers to deliver the award to pupils who have been excluded, are at risk of exclusion or have been socially excluded. I arrange activities with schools and partners and take young people on expeditions. We're trying to create partnerships with other organisations.

How did you get into this? I've been a volunteer for the award for six years. I heard about this post through one of the volunteers and as I was unhappy with my day job as a business analyst, I decided it was a fantastic opportunity to work with young people and be a role model.

What do you get out of it? A great deal of satisfaction watching the young people develop and mature in confidence and seeing them enjoy themselves and achieve something. Quite a lot of these kids have never really achieved anything in school and seeing them enjoy themselves and be successful is great.

What are the most challenging aspects? Usually, getting the group motivated and keeping them involved and focused. This can be tricky when you're doing navigation sessions, for example, because they're mainly academic and classroom-based. Another challenge is getting them out of their tents when it's raining. A wooden spoon and a pan works quite well, and dismantling their tents until they come out.

How would you like to develop the role further? I'd quite like to get another couple of schools on board, and possibly get another member of staff. Hopefully, expansion is on the horizon.