I am writing in response to your article 'Shopmobility staff slam new police check policy' (May 21, 2004) in which it is stated that "the charity, which is currently struggling to attract volunteers, is now faced with a £330 bill to the Criminal Records Bureau".

This is in fact incorrect as the CRB does not charge organisations for CRB checks on volunteers.

This policy was announced back in February 2001 to demonstrate the Government's commitment to, and support for, the voluntary sector.

This policy has resulted in around 700,000 checks being issued free of charge to volunteers, representing a saving to the volunteering sector of around £17m.

Mark J Favager

Head of Communications

Criminal Records Bureau.