"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge"
Simon Sinek
Executive Team
Mrs Yvonne Beattie
Chief Executive Officer
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Yvonne has worked for the 700 Club for over 20 years, joining the team as a support worker and working up through the organisation to her present senior position. Under her guidance, the organisation has expanded significantly.
Driven by a deep commitment to social justice and equality, Yvonne is a passionate advocate for people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of housing insecurity. With a strong belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, she has dedicated their work to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals within the community.
Yvonne serves on Darlington’s Price in Place Board and the Local Authority’s Health and Wellbeing Board. She Chairs the local Homelessness Forum and regularly engages with MHCLG up to ministerial level.
Mrs Emma McLaughlin
Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO
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Emma joined the 700 Club in 2012, initially overseeing the organisation’s administrative functions. Throughout her career with the charity, she has achieved qualifications in Human Resources and Management, equipping her with a diverse skill set that has supported her progression into senior leadership positions. Passionate about the organisation’s mission, Emma is dedicated to making a positive impact while successfully balancing her professional commitments with family life.
Dr John Elliston MBE
Head of Community & Partnerships
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John is a founding member of The 700 Club and has been actively involved in the organisation for more than 30 years. He served as Chair from its inception until 2012 and then as Chief Executive Officer until 2018.
In recognition of his commitment to supporting homeless and vulnerable people, John was awarded an MBE in 2010. He remains a passionate advocate for the charity’s mission and continues to play an active role in the local community through his membership of Darlington’s Community Safety Partnership Board and his involvement across the voluntary and community sector.
His extensive experience and dedication continue to support The 700 Club’s vision of transforming lives and strengthening communities.
Board of Directors
Mr Christopher Hunter
Chairman and Director
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Chris is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers (ACIB) with almost 20 years of experience in the financial services sector. His career includes 15 years with Lloyds Banking Group, and most recently, he served as Deputy Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society. Chris shares a strong commitment to the values of supporting local communities and helping people achieve homeownership, bringing valuable expertise and a community-focused approach to his work.
Mrs Karen Chittenden
Director
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Karen is a highly experienced housing professional who spent over 20 years serving as a Homelessness Officer and Housing Options Advisor with Darlington Borough Council. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with individuals and families facing homelessness, housing insecurity, and a wide range of complex social challenges.
Her extensive frontline experience has given her a deep understanding of the issues that can contribute to homelessness, including poverty, mental health difficulties, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, and barriers to employment. Karen has supported countless people through difficult circumstances, helping them access housing, navigate support services, and take positive steps towards stability and independence.
Mr David Allaway
Company Secretary and Director
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David brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in public service. A retired Police Inspector with over 30 years of service, he developed extensive expertise in leadership, community engagement, safeguarding, and partnership working. Throughout his policing career, David worked closely with individuals, families, and community organisations, gaining a deep understanding of the social issues that can affect people’s lives and wellbeing.
Following his retirement from the police service, David continued his commitment to serving the community as a Mayoral Support Officer with Darlington Borough Council. In this role, he worked closely with civic leaders, community groups, charities, and local stakeholders, developing a broad understanding of the voluntary and community sector and the important role it plays in supporting vulnerable people across the region.
Mr Sean Darbyson
Treasurer and Director
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Sean is an experienced finance professional with more than 20 years’ experience in accountancy, bringing a wealth of financial expertise and strategic insight to the Board. Having previously served as the auditor for The 700 Club, Sean developed a strong understanding of the organisation’s operations, values, and commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals within the community.
Throughout his career, Sean has worked across a range of financial disciplines, building extensive knowledge in financial management, governance, compliance, risk management, and strategic planning. His professional expertise helps ensure that the organisation maintains strong financial oversight and continues to use its resources effectively to deliver meaningful outcomes for those it serves.
Contact Us
Head Office
700 Club, Roadway House, Beaumont Street West, Darlington, DL1 5SX
Building hope. Changing lives.