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 12 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 as just an idea in 1996. He remains a passionate advocate for those who 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 1992. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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 !!
Christopher Hunter (Director and Treasurer) 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!
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