Yvonne Beattie (Chief Executive) Joining the Company as a Support Worker, Yvonne has moved up through the organisation to her current role. Expand Yvonne has worked for the 700 Club for 14 years. As CEO, together with top level decision making, she takes the lead in all operational matters across all parts of the business. She is a passionate advocate for the clients and inspires the teams to follow her lead. She holds a Diploma in Management and a Masters Degree in History and Psychology.
John Elliston MBE (Head of Strategy and Development) John has been involved with the 700 Club since it began in 1996. He remains a passionate advocate for those who are on the margins of society. Expand Dr John Elliston has been part of the 700 Club since the beginning. For 16 years he was the Chairperson of the organisation. In 2012 he became CEO, stepping down in 2018 to take on his current role. He has been involved in Darlington’s voluntary sector since moving to Darlington in 1991. In that time, he has worked closely with a large number of agencies. He currently chairs the Darlington Strategic Development Forum (DSDF), is the the voluntary sector representative on the Community Safety Partnership Board, and part of the Mental Health Network.
Clare Costello (Finance Manager) Clare joined the 700 Club 12 years ago. She is responsible for the organisation's finances on a day to day basis, including managing staff wages. Expand Although Clare's role is primarily concerned with the accounts and payroll, she also helps with the Head Office reception and some administration. Across the years the phrase "any other duties" in her contract has provided her opportunities that are unique to working at the 700 Club, for example taking to the stage in the annual talent show and staying up half the night painting! In her spare time Clare enjoys caravanning with her family and researching her family tree
Emma McLaughlin (Administration and Human Resources Manager) Emma has worked for the company since 2012, joining as Corporate Administrator before working up to her current role. Expand Emma’s role is to provide as a link between the wider organisation and individual employees. She is responsible for administrative functions as well as overseeing the recruiting of new staff, training and development of existing staff and resolving any issues in relation to employment. Outside of work Emma, and her young family, enjoys exploring the region with the two family dogs.
Lee Vasey JP (Chairperson and Director) A former Mayor of Darlington (2011-12), Lee joined the 700 Club Board in 2012.. Expand Joining the board in 2012, Lee brings a wealth of experience from an involvement in local politics spanning nearly two decades. She has also served the courts as a Justice of the Peace for over 30 years..
Sally Hamilton (Company Secretary and Director) Sally has supported the 700 Club since moving in next door to Hope House. She brings a depth of experience from her career with CAB. Expand Sally been involved with 700 Club since moving to Darlington 16 years ago and discovering we were her neighbours. She is on her second stint as a Board member, having stepped down because of work commitments. She is an avid reader and since her husband retired has also been involved in a local sports and social club.
Christopher Hunter (Treasurer and Director) With a wide experience of the financial sector and part of the Senior Management Team of Darlington Building Society, Chris is passionate about the link between business and the community in which it operates. Expand Chris Hunter, is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers (ACIB) and has nearly 20 years’ experience in the Financial Service industry including 15 years with Lloyds Banking Group and is currently Chief Risk Officer at the Darlington Building Society. Chris in joining the 700 club Board, brings together a shared set of values from the Darlington Building Society, helping people find a home and supporting the local community. Chris lives in Wakefield, is married with 2 children and 3 dogs, all of which along with running, boot camps and occasional yoga help keep Chris fit!
Susan Waterworth MBE (Director) An experienced General Practitioner in Darlington, Susan has a special interest in the difficulties faced by those with drug and alcohol dependency. She provides a clinical lead to the DAAT, and is a forensic medical examiner with Durham Constabulary. Expand Susan joined the Board in 2011 as director, but previously attended in an advisory capacity. She brings a deep understanding of work with vulnerable people. Her special interests correspond to the needs of the client group with whom we work.
Mindful employer The 700 Club is an employer that is positive about those who have mental health problems, and is committed to breaking down the barriers of discrimination that confront individuals that suffer in this way. Expand As an employer we recognise that: People who have mental health issues may have experienced discrimination in recruitment and selection procedures. This may discourage them from seeking employment. Whilst some people will acknowledge their experience of mental health issues in a frank and open way, others fear that stigma will jeopardise their chances of getting a job. Given appropriate support, the vast majority of people who have experienced mental ill health continue to work successfully as do many with ongoing issues. As an employer we aim to: Show a positive and enabling attitude to employees and job applicants with mental health issues. This will include positive statements in local recruitment literature. Ensure that all staff involved in recruitment and selection are briefed on mental health issues and The Equality Act 2010, and given appropriate interview skills. Make it clear in any recruitment or occupational health check that people who have experienced mental health issues will not be discriminated against and that disclosure of a mental health problem will enable both employee and employer to assess and provide the right level of support or adjustment. Not make assumptions that a person with a mental health problem will be more vulnerable to workplace stress or take more time off than any other employee or job applicant. Provide non-judgemental and proactive support to individual staff who experience mental health issues. Ensure all line managers have information and training about managing mental health in the workplace.
Accounts The accounts of the 700 Club are externally audited and are available to download below. Alternatively, they can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.. Expand Annual_Accounts_2007-2008.pdf Annual_Accounts_2008-2009.pdf Annual_Accounts_2009-2010.pdf Annual_Accounts_2010-2011.pdf Annual_Accounts_2011-2012.pdf Annual_Accounts_2012-2013.pdf Annual_Accounts_2013-2014.pdf Annual_Accounts_2014-2015.pdf Annual_Accounts_2015-2016.pdf Annual_Accounts_2016-2017.pdf Annual Accounts 2017-2018.pdf Annual Accounts 2018-2019.pdf Annual Accounts 2019-2020.pdf
David Allaway (Director) Former Mayoral Support Officer with Darlington Borough Council and retired Police Inspector with 30 years experience. Expand David joined the Board in 2014, but has been a supporter of the charity for many years. He has a background in law enforcement and a broad understanding of the voluntary sector through his work in the Civic Office. He enjoys playing golf and going to the gym, though is convinced that he exercises all the wrong muscles !!
Annual Reports Annual Reports provide an overview of the organisations performance in each financial year. They can be downloaded here. Expand Annual Reports provide an overview of the organisations performance in each financial year. They can be downloaded here. Annual_Report_2007-2008.pdf Annual_Report_2008-2009.pdf Annual_Report_2009-2010.pdf Annual_Report_2010-2011.pdf Annual_Report_2011-2012.pdf Annual_Report_2012-2013.pdf Annual_Report_2013-2014.pdf Annual_Report_2014-2015.pdf Annual_Report_2015-2016.pdf Annual_Report_2016-2017.pdf Annual Report 2017-2018.pdf Annual Report 2018-2019.pdf Annual Report 2019-2020.pdf
Monitoring People leaving our service capable of living independently are the ultimate quality indicator. Our Quality Management System with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures a robust and sustained quality of commissioned service, and provides a basis for contract conformance and continuous improvement. Expand The 700 Club services are subject to continuous internal audit and outcome monitoring. The service are also subject to external audit by the funding bodies and commissioning authorities. People leaving our service capable of living independently are the ultimate quality monitoring indicator. Our Quality Management System with BS EN ISO9001:2015 certification ensures a robust and sustained quality of commissioned service, and provides a basis for contract conformance and continuous improvement. Quality monitoring is achieved by comprehensive external and internal auditing and systematic service review. Alongside ISO 9001:2015, we hold accreditations for Environment (BS EN ISO 14001:2015) and Occupational Health and Safety (BS EN ISO 45001:2018). Annual, external, independent audits are conducted to ensure conformity with Health and Safety legislation and Mindful Employer status. Contract monitoring audits by Darlington Borough Council ensure conformance with the commission contract. Internal Monitoring We undertake continuous performance monitoring, referring to key service performance indicators in regard to service delivery, management and governance. We ensure that all service specification and contract requirements are met, that outcomes are closely monitored, and that any reports required are presented in a timely manner.We use a range of internal monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure best and/or evidence based practice, ensuring that those who use our services, who are listened to constantly, get the best that we can offer.
Safeguarding DBS Our policies/procedures reflect an ethos of protection balanced by positive risk management. Through them we strive to ensure and endorse the well-being of all who come into contact with the service. Expand Copies of our Safeguarding Adults and Children policies can be accessed here: safeguardingvulnerableadultspolicymay2020v3.docx safeguardingchildrenpolicyandproceduremar2021v6.doc All Staff and Volunteers are vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before working with clients. A copy of the Disclosure and Barring can be accessed here: Disclosure_and_Barring_Checks_Policy_Jun_2020_v2