Volunteers do it better

I totally disagree with Derek Gillmore that volunteering does not work (Letters, 28 March, page 22). If volunteers have training and induction it works well.

Gillmore states that when the money for his professional board members stopped, the professionals stopped coming – so you can see where their priorities lie. Does money buy loyalty? No; you need a genuine interest in the area and its citizens.

Our board consists of councillors, tenants and independents that have concerns about our city and villages and enjoy putting something back into society. They have many professions and skills that blend well together. We have 36,000 homes with the majority approaching quality status, plus a new-build programme under way, all done with good financial control.