Janis McDonald of the Scottish Council on Deafness is a fan of sunshine, sangria and karaoke and believes everyone should learn British Sign Language

What makes a good day at work?

Sunshine, good humour and a positive “can do” attitude!

How many hours do you normally work in a week?

It varies, generally about 40 or so – depends on functions and things I don’t really justify as “work”.

What do you procrastinate over?

Human resource issues.

What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?

Negativity and folk who only think about themselves.

Is the third sector a calling or an accident?

It is definitely a calling.

What happens during your perfect weekend?

Sun, sea, sand, sangria, lots of reading and probably some karaoke! Definitely no work.

What’s your favourite film?

It is really hard to pick between the Blues Brothers and The Commitments – musical films – what a compromise… both are desert island requirements.

Would we all be better off if charities did more in our society?

I’m not sure about that. I’d certainly like to live in a charitable society but there is a big bit of me would prefer a society that did not need charities at all, never mind see them doing more.

Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?

I’m not sure: then I wanted to be a teacher! I was much more radical and certain then than I’ll ever be now.

Should BSL be on the national curriculum for all children?

Yes, yes, yes! Please!

You’re home, fully fed with your feet up – which comes first Eastenders or emails?

It would be a book actually, or maybe Coronation Street.

What one thing would make the lives of deaf Scots significantly better?

For hearing Scots to be more deaf aware and a bit more considerate because of it.

What does your dream retirement look like?

A lot like Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca… sun, sea, sand and sangria!

Which Brian Cox?

Probably the actor because I think he is from Dundee, where my mother was born and he has local links.