Charmian Roberts, chair of work experience at National Education Business Partnerships (EBP) Network, collected the National Award for Outstanding Contributions to Work Experience at the annual National Conference for Work Experience and Work-Related Learning Organisers at Warwick University earlier this month.

Ms Roberts said: "It was absolutely unexpected. My chin hit the floor when I realised they were speaking about me. I have always done lots of national work, but have been based locally. This year I've been based on a national level for the first time."

National EBP Network is an umbrella company of 126 Education Business Partnerships throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The company's objective is to promote the role of such partnerships, which themselves promote lifelong learning and work-based curricula, on a national level.

Ms Roberts had previously received recognition for close involvement with the Government and the Department for Education and Skills, for which her department arranges an annual contract for provision of work experience, when she was invited to the Queen's annual Garden Party in July, where she got the opportunity to discuss her work with the monarch.