I read with interest the letter from Robert Venables, both expressing concerns about the propriety these days of advising anyone, particularly any professional, to become a trustee, while at the same time extolling the virtues of volunteer service (see [2005] Gazette, 13 October, 17).

However, the adjoining letter from Zoe Deacon dealing with Treasury administrative claptrap and regulation reminds one of the need for future regulation by the Charity Commission to be lightened, and with far fewer traps for the unwary.

While regulation is undoubtedly necessary, what is right for large charities and their administration is inappropriate for small charities as the commission to some degree recognises.

However, the great bulk of charities fall in between. There needs now to be a regime for medium-size charities that would enable them to carry on their work, usually on the backs of their trustees and volunteers, and a recognition that commission leaflets and guidance are just that, and have proliferated too far over the years.

Alan Meyer, Horsey Lightly Fynn, London