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..
Mike Airey (Treasurer and Director) Branch Manager for Handelsbanken in Darlington and before that Relationship Manager at Barclay's Bank. Expand Mike joined the 700 Club Board in 2008 and brings not only financial knowledge but a deep commitment to the people of Darlington. He is a member of the Darlington Partnership Board and is closely connected to the town's commercial sector.
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.
Lesley Excell (Director) A Homelessness Officer and Housing Options Advisor with Darlington Borough Council, Lesley has an intimate knowledge of the client group with whom we work. Expand Lesley has been employed by Darlington Borough Council since 2003. For most of that period she has been working to address the housing needs of homeless people. Her hobbies are reading, socialising and dog walking.
Milly Stoney (Director) Appointed to the Board in 2008, Milly has worked for over 20 years with people who have problems with debt, the benefits structure and consumer issues. Expand Milly has been a volunteer worker with the Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau working with people who have problems with debt, the benefits structure and consumer issues. She brings the insights of a rich a varied life having spent 3 years living in West Bengal, India, 3 years in Germany and 5 and a half years in Pakistan. Her interests include gardening, the theatre and sailing.
Sally Hamilton (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.
David Allaway (Director) 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 fair 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 !!
John Elliston MBE (Chief Executive) Appointed Chief Executive in 2012, John has been involved with the 700 Club since it began in 1996. 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. He has been involved in Darlington’s voluntary sector for over two decades. In that time, he has worked closely with a large number of agencies. He currently chairs the Darlington Strategy Development Forum (DSDF), is the the voluntary sector representative on the Community Safety Partnership Board, and part of the Mental Health Network.
Yvonne Beattie (Services Manager and Company Secretary) Joining the Company as a Support Worker, Yvonne has moved up through the organisation to her current role of operational lead. . Expand Yvonne has worked for the 700 Club for 10 years. 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.
Clare Costello (Accounts Officer) Clare joined the 700 Club 10 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 accounts and payroll, she also oversees the head Office reception and 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! In her spare time Clare enjoys caravanning with her family and researching her family tree