Having spent over 20 years as a freelance flautist and Musicians’ Union member, Ruth started work for the MU as the Regional Officer for Wales and South West England in 2019. With a background in orchestral playing, freelance gigs and specialist teaching, she has also been proactive in creating accessible opportunities for musical development including the creation, set up and running of a charity as well as being part of creating and delivering a wide variety of projects and workshops that aimed to encourage and inspire. Ruth first got involved in the MU as a member in her union branch in 1998, where she became branch secretary. Since then, she has been a member of the Wales and South West Regional Committee, Chair of the Teachers (now Education) Section Committee, and has represented regional members on the MU’s Executive Committee.