We were very sad to hear of the passing of our much loved Trustee, Pauline Tambling CBE. Pauline joined the Board of Masterclass in 2019, adding to a small portfolio of Trusteeships whose common thread was skills development in young people. This is a cause that she had worked on throughout her career at the Royal Opera House, Arts Council England and Creative & Cultural Skills, and that she continued to champion during her very active, but all too short retirement. In April of this year she published, together with Sally Bacon, The Arts in Schools: Foundations for the Future, a comprehensive review of arts provision in schools, with examples of best practice and recommendations for the future. And just last week, Pauline was in the arts press arguing for more coherent action on skills development from government and the creative industries.

Pauline was a wonderful Trustee to Masterclass. She had a gentle gravitas that meant everyone stopped to listen when she spoke. Her opinions were always well-informed, measured and pragmatic; whilst she shared with us the benefit of her huge experience in the cultural sector, it was always with a keen awareness of the constraints and challenges that come with being a very small charity. A hands-on Trustee, Pauline took a keen interest in everything that Masterclass does, and was always closely involved, whether attending events, reviewing funding applications or helping to develop strategy.

We will miss Pauline's wise counsel and wry good humour enormously. Our thoughts are with her family.